FIGHTING DRUG USE, VIOLENCE TAKES MONEY

Drug-related violence is rampant in countless regions of the United
States. The recent surge in such violence in Texas and Arizona has
pressured President Barack Obama to become engaged in systematic and
diplomatic efforts to curtail the Mexican-U.S. drug trade.

Per The New York Times, "the bloody drug war, which has caused 7,000
deaths in 16 months, has become the principal sore point between the
countries." The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
maintains that 90 percent of the guns used by Mexican drug cartels
originated in America. In fact, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder
contemplated urging the reinstituting of the ban on the sale of
assault rifles, often confiscated in drug raids. This position
unequivocally would reignite a fight with the controversial National
Rifle Association which traditionally misconstrues the Second
Amendment as providing for an individual right to bear arms. The Times
further asserts that, "an estimated 90 percent of the illegal drugs
that enter the United States pass through Mexico." When drug-greedy
Americans crave narcotics, the demand creates new markets and
strengthens existing ones. Saying no to drugs is as ridiculous as
Nancy Reagan looking toward the stars for guidance.

We must trace and eliminate both the sources and complex routes which
facilitate the trafficking.

Obama endorses $30 million in stimulus funds to support local and
state law enforcement agents around the U.S.-Mexican border. Moreover,
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano recently announced that
360 agents will be sent to Border Patrol and Customs Enforcements
entities along the extensive border.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was right when she emphasized, "Our
insatiable demand fuels the drug trade." Additionally, be advised that
unless substantial amounts of more money are allocated for verifiable
drug treatment programs, the drug problem and the concomitant,
unfortunate consequences will become exacerbated.

Keith W. Cooper

Greenville