DON'T TAR THEM ALL WITH THE SAME BRUSH

Drug Convictions At Military Base Reflect Problems Common To Greater Society.

It was unsettling to learn of the massive drug bust that led to the recent
conviction of 84 enlisted Marines and sailors at Camp Lejeune, N.C. They
were found guilty of using and selling Ecstasy, cocaine, LSD and
methamphetamine.

The news must be especially painful to the millions of Navy and Marine
Corps veterans who served the nation with distinction, and with unblemished
records. It's also troubling to the vast majority of men and women on
active duty going about their jobs around the clock all over the world.

A two-year undercover probe resulted in additional arrests of 99 civilians
and the confiscation of $1.4 million in drugs.

All of the convicted Marines and Navy personnel received dishonorable
discharges and confinement ranging from 3 to 19 years. Their lives have
taken a horrendous turn, and their futures are clouded at best.

Obviously, these individuals have brought discredit upon themselves, their
families, the Navy and the Marine Corps. But they should by no means be
considered typical of their comrades, who should not be tarred with the
same brush. We would further point out that criminal activity is a much
greater problem in the civilian community than in the military, whose
members, after all, are basically a product of 21st century American society.

Nevertheless, transgressions such as those in North Carolina cannot be
tolerated. They must be uncovered and prosecuted. Because their duties
require discipline and special responsibilities, the men and women who
defend us in this age of terrorism must expect to be held to behavioral
standards commensurate with their critical mission of protecting our nation
and our way of life. In that regard, more thorough screenings and intensive
background checks of enlistees could help prevent the kind of incidents we
witnessed last week.

Meanwhile, people in the military deserve not only the respect of their
fellow citizens, but also fair treatment in terms of pay and allowances.
They are dedicated people who are indispensable on the front lines of freedom.