DRUG LEGALIZATION AGENDA REACHES TULIA CITY LIMIT

A controversial 1999 Tulia drug sting has had ramifications across the
nation. The arrests of 46 individuals and corresponding sentences has made
Tulia the epicenter of national debate regarding drug policies.

There are many factors in this national debate, primarily resulting from
the war on drugs - drug availability, prosecution, law enforcement
techniques, treatment for drug abusers vs. incarceration, individual
responsibility and the very concept of justice. There are even more facets,
but as far as Tulia is concerned, the question of whether justice was
indeed served is the only consideration.

Amarillo attorney Jeff Blackburn, one of five attorneys representing the
individuals prosecuted as a result of the sting, is at odds with the
involvement of Gary Gardner and certain organizations attempting to right a
perceived wrong.

Gardner, an amateur legal adviser, has filed legal papers on behalf of two
defendants. Blackburn, in the Friday Amarillo Globe-News, expressed his
opposition to Gardner's efforts on the basis his involvement could
jeopardize the case.

This is a matter of legality, best left to the individuals involved.

What is evident is Blackburn's concern regarding the inclusion of groups
more committed to drug policy reform than the application of justice. Some
represent an agenda separate from what may or may not have happened in Tulia.

"There are groups that have put the victims first," Blackburn said. "That
is the right way to do it. Others have an agenda."

Accusations abound regarding law enforcement's role in the sting operation.

Blackburn, who correctly stated that the case is not about drug
legalization, described it as "unfortunate" that groups more committed to
drug legalization or drug reform are using Tulia to promote their agenda.

It is more than unfortunate.

These efforts take the focus off the real issue in Tulia - whether an
injustice was committed to create a false semblance of justice.