Fox can kiss my azz.....

Former Mexican President Vicente Fox pushed North American nations to expand free trade and urged the U.S. Congress to overhaul immigration laws during a visit to Portland on Wednesday night.

In a talk laced with humor, the 65-year-old known for breaking the seven-decade rule of Mexico's Institutional Revolutionary Party in 2000 appeared at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall as part of the World Affairs Council of Oregon speaker series.

Fox denounced a wall being built along the U.S.-Mexico border to deter illegal crossings and urged Americans to have compassion for immigrants, not act out of fear. He called a lack of access to education the biggest threat to Mexico.

Fear is not a good adviser," he said. "My message to the U.S. Congress and the federal government is to take the bull by the horns, to respond to the challenge with a sound, intelligent and common-sense plan, to make immigration an asset to both countries."

Many in the audience sought a closer glimpse of the former president, who left office in 2006 with a mixed legacy of lowering inflation and curbing corruption, but failing to win an immigration accord with the United States. Some focused on immigration, hoping to get Fox's candid insight on the long-simmering issue.

"I want to know, 'What are they doing?' " said Roy Ettinger, a Lake Oswego architect and contractor concerned with the economic impact of illegal immigration. "I feel sorry for them, but I'd feel better if people stayed at home and improved their environment."

Outside the concert hall, protesters took issue with Fox. With megaphones in hand, a few dozen marched outside, condemning NAFTA as stealing American jobs and driving Mexicans off their land.

Kate Sherman, 22, of Portland criticized Fox as giving Mexico false hopes.

"People believed he would offer something new," she said. "But in reality, anyone who stood against him faced opposition."

Fox said Mexico has been doing its share to create jobs and provide youth scholarships to deter illegal immigration.

Since leaving office, he has been promoting a think tank he established to further democracy in his homeland. On Tuesday, Fox, also a former Coca-Cola executive, met with Nike about partnering to develop aid programs.

He said Latin America's economic health and the United States' competitive edge hinge on expanding trade, and he noted Canada's role. He lauded progress from the North American Free Trade Agreement in Mexico, despite its fallout on poor people.

Fox called Mexico's relationship with the United States complex. From economic issues to drug trafficking, the countries face a great challenge, Fox said.

He's confident his successor, President Felipe Calderon, can do much to create more jobs and combat drug cartels.

He urged the United States to avoid isolation and be creative about solving immigration problems.

"Of course the United States has a right to sovereignty," he said. "That's not the question here. The question is whether we're going to act with compassion, with love."