THAT OTHER 'WAR'

In his "war" with the U.S. government, Timothy McVeigh killed and injured
hundreds of innocent people. As the McVeigh saga unfolded, another "war"
continued, which over the years has killed and maimed hundreds of innocent
people, ruined the lives of millions, and made a mockery of international
law and the civil rights guaranteed to Americans.

Why does the American public put up with this collateral damage that occurs
in America and, at America's behest, worldwide? Is it underreported? Or is
it that, instead of occurring in a single act, it is spread out and easily
forgotten?

Should we blame elected officials who successfully use sound bites to spur
voters to action while furthering their own careers? Should we blame the
government agencies that add their spin to the facts to increase government
funding for this war?

No, we should blame ourselves - the voters who elect and re-elect those who
pass laws that have resulted in so much destruction.

It is time to end this war and concentrate on harm reduction. Provide
treatment instead of incarceration, and education instead of Draconian
laws, and elect politicians who will protect basic human rights.

End the drug war, or accept the fact that we are no different from McVeigh.

Steve Helms Southlake