OPENNESS IS APPRECIATED

To the editor:

In my role as an editor for Media Awareness Project ( www.mapinc.org )I
am able to watch your opinion pages from here in sunny Florida.

In my job I am exposed to newspapers from around the country and also
overseas with regard to coverage of the War on Drugs.

It is refreshing to see a newspaper that is open to printing both
sides on any topic of great debate.

A favorable editorial stance is never taken for granted, but the key
is an open press, wherever it is practical.

Our current Czar of Drugs, Barry McCaffery, has recently taken New
Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson to task for having 'the nerve' to question
our current policies in the nation's war on (some) drugs.

McCaffery has clearly stated that anyone who asks such questions is
someone who wishes to see our country and our children embark on a
path of inexorable destruction.

We feel confident that when the citizens of Texas and our country
receive information from both sides of this discussion, they will
choose to reject the current failed policies of jailing adults for
consensual activities which do not harm others or their property.

We will then be able to divert the billions currently used for
arresting and jailing into true education and health care.

This is the best way to deal with the very real problems associated
with all drug abuse, not just a short list of unpopular substances.

Newspapers such as yours make a difference by providing the public
with a balanced source of news and information. I salute the
Globe-News for making space on both sides of this often sensitive topic.

Your readers may see the most complete online archive of published
newspaper articles with regards to the War on Drugs (both pro and
con) by visiting the website named above.

STEPHEN HEATH
Largo FL