US DRUG USE IS FUNDING THE DESTRUCTION OF MEXICO

As Asheville's drug culture parties on, south of the border the clock
is ticking in a horrifically violent power struggle between Mexico's
government and narco-terrorists funded by America's revelry. The death
toll from this war is higher than our own in Iraq.

Every time a free spirit or suited businessman takes a "time out" with
meth, crack or coke, he or she is supporting the cultural destruction
of Mexico and other countries vulnerable to the temptations of
supplying America's cravings. We can make a difference in Asheville by
stepping over the illusions of innocent drug use and being realistic
about the harms. In resisting personal temptations and supporting our
police in confronting consumers and sellers in our open air drug
markets, we can impair the recruitment of new dealers, users and
enablers who keep the cycle of destruction alive.

It is clear that America's international drug war is failing - it is
simply not possible to successfully contain supply. We can make
progress by addressing demand. That is a fight that will be won or
lost at the local level - in vulnerable neighborhoods and the hearts
of people whose concern for their fellow man ranks above the pursuit
of personal pleasures.

Carl Mumpower

Asheville City Council