Pubdate: Mon, 13 Dec 1999 Date: 12/13/1999 Source: Christian Science Monitor (US) Author: Ricky A. Schuft The article "Mass graves could strain US-Mexico relations" (Dec. 2) shows that there is too much emphasis on strained relations between the United States and Mexico. Americans are killed daily in the US as a result of drug use and drug trafficking. It is ridiculous to pinpoint Mexicans, when clearly drugs are the cause of the problems. I spent a week in Juarez, Mexico, during the spring of this year, and would like to point out that the majority of the population consists of hardworking, poverty-stricken people, who desperately need attention. The level of poverty is at a point where citizens are extremely vulnerable to drugs as a source of income. Ricky A. Schuft St. Peter, Minn.