MISPLACED BLAME

It's no surprise that a JTF-6 commander would support the drug war -- it
pays the rent after all -- but can a recent letter writer really believe
that "the real threat" to our children "is a few miles south of here?"

From a drug standpoint, try the corner convenience store. Alcohol-related
crime and accidents kill many times more people than all illegal drugs
combined, and beer is by far the drug of choice for our young people (and
for them, an illegal drug to boot).

It's time to stop blaming Mexico for our own drug problem. The war on drugs
is a war on ourselves, which has already claimed many innocent victims.
Given that one such victim was killed directly by JTF-6, it's especially sad
that a dedicated career soldier would enthusiastically join the fray.

I'll make you a deal, commander -- you keep your kids away from drugs and
I'll worry about mine. Parents and community can and should do the job, not
soldiers on the border.

Mark Mainwaring
West El Paso