SIDE EFFECT OF OUR WAR ON DRUGS

The recent shooting down of a plane full of Baptist missionaries in
Peru is a direct result of U.S. drug policy in South America. The
United States encourages South American countries to adopt a
"get-tough" policy toward drugs and drug production, and this is the
result.

No amount of government lies will bring the dead back to
life.

The war on drugs is a thoroughly quixotic exercise. Interdiction will
not alleviate the cravings of addicts, nor will it grant the wish of
others to get their kicks. Criminals are involved because drugs are
illegal. The primary effect of the war on drugs is creating a
price-support program for South American drug cartels, and the
secondary effect is the loss of life, freedom and property of innocents.

It would be wise to re-think our drug policies in South America before
we have another Vietnam on our hands.

Thomas D. Walls
Hallandale Beach