MAKING A DIFFERENCE: THE WAR ON DRUGS

Recently, the publisher of The Union newspaper, Jeff Ackerman, wrote a
column regarding our efforts in combating illegal drug activity in our
county. Although I like Jeff and believe he is sincere in his beliefs,
I sincerely believe he is wrong.

He wrote a number of things I could easily rebut, but let me focus on
this one in particular in reference to a recent marijuana raid
performed by our Narcotics Task Force.

In this case, Mexican Nationals, illegally in our country, were
illegally growing marijuana, illegally trespassing on government
property, illegally using the water we as taxpayers support, polluting
our forests lands, posing a threat to hikers and recreational
enthusiasts, supplying an illegal drug that is proven to act as a
depressant and contain harmful compounds, and fully knowing what they
are doing is illegal.

Okay, so here is Jeff's quote: "It made great headlines, but if you
read between the lines, it won't make a difference. Especially not to
the so-called Mexican cartel leader who probably sent a handful of
poor laborers up here to plant and grow pot."

Speaking about reading between the lines, do you catch my
disappointment at this type of reasoning? Poor laborers who shoot at
law enforcement and the general public do not have my sympathy.

This brings to mind the story of the wise man that walked along the
beach and saw a young man reaching down to the shore, picking up small
objects and throwing them into the ocean. He asked the young man what
he was doing, to which the young man replied, "Throwing starfish into
the ocean."

The wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there
are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every
mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and
threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a
difference for that one."

Truly, the so-called "wise" man had something to learn from this young
man.

We are going to continue picking up starfish and throwing them in the
ocean, because it does make a difference. Every illegal drug we take
off the street, every criminal we put in jail, every defendant that is
sentenced to time in custody helps to make our community better. Drugs
off the street will not be consumed by your friend, your neighbor,
your family member. Every criminal we retain in custody will not be
able to burglarize your home, steal your car, assault your brother, or
infringe upon your quality of life.

Proposition 215 has been a nightmare. The great majority of marijuana
is not being used and grown medicinally as was intended. Our office
receives calls daily from neighbors at their wits end regarding
marijuana gardens next door and the frequency of suspicious traffic
coming and going.

People are fearful in their own homes. They have concerns about their
children being subject to offensive situations. Not to mention the
rank odor and the realization that your property value has now declined.

Proposition 19 is just another nightmare waiting to happen. I hope the
good people of Nevada County and the state of California educate
themselves and don't allow themselves to be fooled by the false hope
of increased taxes and lowered crime level.

Proponents often refer to the Amsterdam, Holland, model. It's not
working there either! Holland is working toward eliminating its lax
drugs laws.

We in the Sheriff's Office will continue to use the resources we have
to protect the safe community in which we live and work. It is the
right thing to do. Illegal drug use contributes nothing to the
community. We will continue to make a difference, one undertaking at a
time.

Keith Royal is the Nevada County sheriff.