DON'T BLAME COLOMBIA FOR OUR DRUG PROBLEMS

I read with anger and frustration The Sun's article "War on drugs in
Colombia stymied by Washington's partisan stalemate" (Nov. 12).

It is not the farmer in Colombia who is the problem; rather, it is the drug
habit of Americans that encourages the increased growth of cocoa and
heroin. Why can't this country, the most technologically advanced in the
world, stop the import of drugs, which would curb the growth and save our
urban centers?

Is it because we really don't want to?

The illegality of these substances permits obscene markups that enrich drug
traffickers and dealers, corrupt policemen, lawyers, judges, politicians
and businessmen; as well as, those who have vested interests in the drug
war -- such as prison builders, correction and parole officers'
associations and drug testing companies.

We are not winning any war on drugs, and if we continue doing the same
thing, we'll be no better off in 10 years.

Our problem lies not in Colombia, but in ourselves.

Ellen B. Miller
Baltimore