DRUG ISSUES

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- I take issue with the attack by Paul Bischke in his
letter "Drug-war speak" (Voice, Aug. 10). Mr. Bischke falsely accused Gen.
Barry McCaffrey of spreading misinformation in a systematic way to justify
America's drug policy.

Mr. Bischke is correct in stating Gen. McCaffrey's actions are
systematic--the nation's drug czar is diligently formulating and
implementing a national drug-control strategy to reduce the social and
health consequences of the cancer of illegal drug abuse. One way to
accomplish this goal is to have free and open debate in the press.
Obviously the administration does not agree with Mr. Bischke. But this
disagreement does not justify Mr. Bischke's verbal attack on a decorated
veteran of three conflicts.

James R. McDonough, Director of Strategy,
Office of National Drug Control Policy

Checked-by: Pat Dolan