DEMAND WILL REMAIN

A recent letter writer would fail all tests for reality with his
contention that the big, bad Colombians created the demand for their
drugs by their "aggressive marketing." I can't remember the last
advertisement I've seen for cocaine or heroin.

Cocaine became popular well in advance of any cartels. In the early
'70s, it was mostly small, independent smugglers and loose-knit
organizations, which responded to the demand. Much of the demand was
from our so-called "pillars" of the community: lawyers, politicians,
professionals, etc., who fell in love with the power high from this
supposedly "non-addictive" drug. Then came crack, which is pretty much
a home-manufactured product.

If we get rid of the Colombians, the only question is, "Who'll step up
to take over filling the huge demand?" The demand will remain and
someone will satisfy it.

JAMES SANDEL,
Delray Beach