BIG PLANS FOR MEXICO NEED LOTS OF COOPERATION

After 71 years of one-party rule in Mexico, it may take us awhile to get used to the reforms planned by Vincente Fox, president-elect of our neighbor to the south.

One of the new president's ambitious plans is to create a common market in North America. This would mean open borders between Mexico and the United States and between the United States and Canada.

This would mean not only an end to armed border patrols, mostly U.S. agents, along the U.S.-Mexico border, but also a huge influx of Mexicans seeking U.S. jobs without having to fear the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

Clearly, without proper safeguards, Fox's plan could create havoc, most of it in the southwestern United States where hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants avail themselves of costly social services, schools and health care.

Fox isn't so naive to think his plan will be easily accomplished. And he says he understands the ramifications of what he is suggesting. And he says he knows implementation of his plan will take years, not days or months.

Finally, Fox says he realizes his idea of open borders and free trade among the three nations hinges on Mexico's willingness to develop employment opportunities. These would have to be jobs that pay livable wages too, wages that at least come close to those paid by U.S. employers.

Equalizing job opportunities and pay levels between the United States and Mexico may be the biggest hurdle of all. But think of the problems it would solve. Mexicans could choose to live and work in their native country. U.S. factories would be more inclined to maintain operations in this country rather than taking advantage of low labor costs in Mexico.

For now, Fox must demonstrate his ability to change a country that has had one set of rules for so long. But the United States and Canada also must be willing to show some faith in Fox's dream.

To that end, Fox says he intends to ask both countries to sign off on a long-range plan whose goal is common markets and open borders -- fully understanding that achieving such a goal will likely be accomplished in small steps, not giant leaps.

At this point, there is little to do but wish Fox the best of luck as he talks to American and Canadian leaders about his plan. But at some point hard decisions are going to have to be made by everyone involved.