DRUG WAR

The recent downing of the Cessna by the Peruvian Air Force, resulting in
the deaths of an American missionary and her daughter, are the latest
casualties in the war on drugs. Although not usually reported in the
mainstream media, I've read in alternative publications numerous cases
of innocent people abused and killed in the name of the war on drugs.
Drug agents often break into a suspected drug dealer's house, armed,
with ski masks on. They look like criminals. So if the people living
there have a gun for protection and one of them goes for it, they get
shot, usually killed, with no drugs to be found.

These raids are usually conducted from anonymous tips. Also, due to
asset forfeiture laws, the arresting department gets the house with
everything in it including bank accounts, safe deposit boxes, etc., if
it is a legitimate bust. This money goes to the department. This causes
corruption and law enforcement who are eager to conduct these raids.

The drug war is a complete failure. It not only costs astronomical
amounts but innocent people are getting terrorized and killed.

Paul Heard, Bellflower