WHERE'S THE BALANCED COVERAGE?

Your three-part series ("Drug crossroads," Page A-1, July 17, "Risky
business," Page A-1, July 18, and "Stemming drug trade frustrates
Paterson" Page A-1, July 19) left me disgusted, not at the story, but
at the way it was slanted. The focus shouldn't have been on Paterson,
the drug haven. Rather, it should have focused on residents of
affluent towns in New Jersey buying drugs at an alarming rate. The
bottom line is that the booming drug industry can withstand arrests,
undercover cops and harsh legislation. The one thing it cannot
withstand is a loss of all customers. Most of the drug abusers don't
live in Paterson; the drug dealers do. It was upsetting to see the
usually level-headed Record perpetuate the stereotype that comes with
the name Paterson.

DENISE OLUSALA

Garfield