OTHER COUNTRIES SUFFER, THEY SHOULD ALSO JOIN BATTLE

I agree with Rep. Benjamin A. Gilman that mobilizing against Colombia's
narco-driven civil war is a good investment; however, the United States
must not carry this load alone ("Colombia's urgent need for help,"
Commentary, March 19). Not to belittle the damage done here by illegal
drugs, but other countries suffer as well, and they also must be hectored
to join the battle.

There is an urgent need for a Central and South American alliance similar
to NATO, as we cannot be the only fighting force against Colombia's plague
of poison. The Clinton administration has achieved spectacular success
demolishing and demonizing the lawful tobacco industry, and it is in the
process of doing the same to the gun-manufacturing industry, other
legitimate business.

If our leaders would expend the same zeal building an international
coalition against cocaine and heroin, a major victory would be secured.
With the North American Free Trade Agreement in place and America's
enormous clout on the world stage, leveling South American drug empires is
an achievable endeavor.

Instead of policing the world, this country should pick fights where our
welfare is at stake.

Any foreign nation that ships death and destruction to our population is a
confirmed foe and should be treated as such.

ROSALIND ELLIS
Baltimore