FEW SHOW UP AT RALLY TO PROTEST WAR ON DRUGS

Only a handful of people attended a Wednesday rally organized by a group
advocating the end of the "war on drugs."

"Other cities turn out by the score (for such protests). But on the border,
so many people make a living in the war on drugs," said Deitra Lied, a
leader of the local chapter of the November Coalition, a national
not-for-profit organization.

The group had scheduled a vigil for Wednesday at the First Amendment Space
in the Chamizal National Memorial to commemorate the 2 million Americans
behind bars last year.

The organization counts as its supporters thousands of people in prison for
drug convictions, their loved ones and concerned citizens. Lied said at
least 60 percent of these prisoners are nonviolent drug offenders.

"They come out of prison more of a criminal," said Lied, a teacher with the
El Paso Independent School District. Lied's husband is serving 12 years in
La Tuna federal prison on drug charges, she said.

"I believe there's a different way to do it. How about treating them like
we treat alcoholics?" she said.

A man who helps lead the fight against international drug trafficking in El
Paso said law enforcement's drug-interdiction efforts are worthwhile.

The coalition's position "can't be further from the truth," said Lt. Gabe
Serna, of the narcotics unit of the El Paso Police Department. Speaking
from the scene of a stash house bust Wednesday afternoon, Serna said his
team makes an ever-growing impact on the drug trade.

In January, for example, police confiscated 4,000 pounds of marijuana,
surpassing the totals for January 2000 and January 1999, he said.

Lied said her beliefs may be unpopular in El Paso but are gaining support
nationwide. New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson has proposed the legalization of
possession of small amounts of marijuana and the reduction of some drug
sentences, and in December, then-President Clinton gave clemency to 36 drug
offenders, Lied said.

The coalition also hopes the blockbuster movie "Traffic," which portrays
the war on drugs as a losing battle for the United States, will help raise
awareness about the issues.

"Remember Prohibition? That didn't work either," said Steve Hastings, a
47-year-old painter who showed up at the vigil.

For more information: www.november.org