Border health clinics see hundreds of patients daily, without the proper medical personnel or equipment to do the job effectively. Economic development, though desired, will put more pressure on the already limited border infrastructure. For far too long, the border between the United States and Mexico has been treated by policymakers on both sides as a liability, spurring conflict between our two nations. President Fox' commitment to fostering a positive climate is encouraging. But Mexico will have to do its part to earn our respect and it will not be easy.
Expectations are high.
An earnest commitment to promoting economic opportunities, developing Mexico's infrastructure, ending widespread corruption in government, and increasing access to health care are minimum requirements for a successful partnership. After meeting with President Fox, I am confident he will do everything within his power to try to meet those expectations and to earn the respect of the international community. But respect is not unilateral. The United States must also do its part to be a good neighbor. In our country, unprecedented prosperity has been accompanied by an unprecedented economic disparity along the border.