BREAKING DRUG LAWS HARDLY RANKS AS A TRIFLE

To the editor: Having just read your editorial under Our Opinion
headlined, "Duplin's big night goes up in smoke," I would like to
provide my opinion.

I generally find myself in agreement with your opinions, but on this
one I cannot agree. I thought I was reading an editorial from the
liberal Austin Statesman. You may consider illegal drug use and
drinking illegal booze on public property insignificant or minor
matters, but I can assure you there are those of us in North Carolina
who do not consider it a trifle. To accuse agents of our Alcohol
Liquor Enforcement Division of being nosy while performing their
duties is incredible. ALE agents have broad authority as peace
officers to arrest and take other investigatory and enforcement
actions for any criminal offense.

They have as their primary mission, enforcement of alcoholic-beverage
laws. I believe possession of even a "little" (your word, not mine)
moonshine is both a state and federal crime. Ignoring our laws to
satisfy the dreams of country-music lovers of Duplin County and
southeastern North Carolina is wrong thinking. If those responsible
for organizing the Duplin show were concerned about helping establish
the Duplin facility as a regional entertainment venue, they should
have tried scheduling a show with a country music superstar not known
for drug abuse instead of one that has been convicted of it and
advocates the use of marijuana.

I certainly agree with the statement you made, "One would be
hard-pressed to find any alarm or surprise over the discoveries." What
kind of example were the organizers trying to set for the youth of
southeastern North Carolina?

It is a known fact that profits from illegal drug sales help fund
terrorism. Drug cartels from Mexico are aiding Muslims to enter this
country illegally, and one does not need much imagination to realize
there are terrorists among them. In 2007, National Intelligence
Director Mike McConnell told The El Paso Times that terrorists have
been caught trying to cross the Mexican border and that these
interdictions saved American lives.

The ALE is fighting terrorism by reducing the use of illegal drugs
while Willie Nelson contributes to it by helping to fund it by using
marijuana and advocating its use. The "Calamity in Kenansville" was
caused by a poor choice of entertainment. Willie Nelson cancelled the
show, probably because he was busted again and was ticked off as you
speculated. So, good riddance to Willie, his band members and members
of his crew -- they broke our laws.

Bob Bridges

Stella