Letter to the editor.

Dear Editors, The heated debate in the United States over whether the North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta) has been good for the country has been fought since the early days of its conception. There have been arguments on both sides of the issue, from warnings of a "giant sucking sound" sending U.S. jobs on a permanent migration to the south, to the strengthening of the economies of the three countries, to a more resilient and stable Mexico resulting from its direct link to the North American economy.

When listening to both sides state their arguments you will, undoubtedly, hear the comparison of one statistic or another with the phrases "pre-Nafta" and "post-Nafta" thrown in to the mix. Therefore, in the spirit of the World Cup, I propose that we take a slightly different (and light-hearted) approach in analyzing the "pre-Nafta" and "post-Nafta" periods.

With the recent 2-0 victory of the U.S. national soccer team over Mexico in the quarterfinals of the World Cup, I began to reflect on the fairly recent leveling of the U.S.-Mexico rivalry. This led me to look at the history of this classic match up, and I find it irresistible to argue that the U.S. vs. Mexico soccer rivalry was flipped on its head (coincidentally) just as the transition from the "pre-Nafta" period to the "post-Nafta" period took place.

The rivalry dates back to a 1934 World Cup qualifying match in which the United States beat Mexico 4-2. From that point on, however, Mexico dominated, and I mean dominated, the United States on the field. Between 1934 and 1993, the "pre-Nafta" period, the United States was 3-23 and 5. That's three wins, 23 losses and five ties! Hardly an enviable showing for the ol' stars and strips squad.

In comparison, during the "post-Nafta" period (1994-present), the United States turned the tables on Mexico and is a respectable 7-5 and 4 with the United States winning the last five of six matches.

As to the success of Nafta, the debate will continue without a doubt, but I have to say that I'll opt for the "post-Nafta" period on and off the field.

Steven White 

ManattJones Global Strategies