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

Note: headline by MAP