ENFORCING MORAL PRECEPTS THROUGH COERCIVE POLICE TACTICS

Dolovich's criticism of SWAT team tactics correctly highlighted one of the
most dangerous movements in recent American history: the growing
willingness of the government to enforce moral precepts through coercive
police tactics. Dolovich is correct to say that the metaphor of a "war on
drugs" produces a military style, take-no-prisoners mentality among police
agencies.

What she didn't stress was that SWAT teams across the country, as well as
our national moral police force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, are
trying to purify America with the same misguided zeal we have so long
abhorred in Iranian mullahs and Taliban fundamentalists. With the
encouragement of that high priest of moral conduct, Gen. Barry McCaffrey,
soon every American will have to urinate in a cup to prove his or her
purity, and those found unclean can expect a nighttime knock on the door.

PRESTON ROSE
South Pasadena