CAN'T END RACIAL PROFILING UNTIL WE END WAR ON DRUGS

Re: Policy needed on racial profiling, editorial June 18.

Racial profiling is wrong, and there is nothing easier than opposing
it. But opposing racial profiling without opposing that which
necessitates it is nothing more than political posturing.

Racial profiling is most often used to catch drug dealers and buyers.
And in that area of law enforcement, it is an indispensable tool that
the police must have to enforce the laws against consensual crimes.

The Tampa Police Department's sting operations are good examples of
racial profiling. We never see or hear of the Tampa Police department
setting up drug sting operations in the ritzier parts of Tampa. That
would be a waste of their time. And let's face it - the police win glory
by making bust. And there is no glory in wasting time and valuable
resources.

In a free society, consensual activities between adults that do not
violate the rights of others or infringe on the property of others
should not be a crime. But as long as this country sees fit to
legislate morality with its war on drug and laws against other
consensual activities, racial profiling will remain a standard police
procedure.

It is time to call for an end to racial profiling, but we cannot do
that until we end the war on drugs.

Rick L. Meredith