DRUG WAR ARROGANCE

THANKS for carrying Tim Johnson's description of the biological
warfare being contemplated by our drug prohibition cartel (Page 17A,
July 3).

Normally, I wouldn't pay much heed to someone predicting dire
consequences of biotech mistakes. But this isn't a mistake, it's an
intentional abuse.

Drug warriors, it seems, have unlimited arrogance. They are pushing to
release a genetically engineered fungus, fusarium oxysporum, in an
attempt to extinguish coca. They cannot be certain that the organism
won't eventually harm other crops, but that's beside the point.

It is irresponsible to introduce novel, destructive organisms into an
uncontained environment. Hawaii has mosquitoes now. That was a
mistake. Let's not create such havoc intentionally.

Danny Terwey
Santa Cruz