BUSH HURTING ANTI-DRUG EFFORTS

I think that President Bush is pulling a fast one on the American people in
his 2005 proposed budget. Although at initial glance, it looks like he is
increasing the number of DEA agents, don't be fooled. These new agents for
the DEA are only to offset those FBI agents who had been engaged in drug
investigations and have been pulled away and diverted to "terrorism"
assignments after 9/11. His plan will cut federal grants that will
directly impact state and local efforts to fight drug dealers, claiming
that these programs lack verifiable performance goals or measures.

Specifically, Bush's plan will eliminate Byrne formula grants, which is a
Justice Department program that was set up over 15 years ago to promote
multi-agency cooperation in war on drugs. Also, President Bush's proposed
budget would dramatically cut the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas
(HIDTA) program, which provides agencies with coordination, equipment,
technology, and additional resources to combat drug trafficking.

According to the Office of Drug Control Policy website, there are major
drug trafficking operations concentrated heavily in the South Florida area
and lists as one of South Florida HIDTA's significant achievements the 2003
indictment of the leaders of the notorious Cali Cartel -- 11 defendants,
including the two founding members.

Also the president's budget forecasts that the FBI will begin charging
local law enforcement for the use of its national laboratory, with the goal
of collecting $35 million per year.

Clearly anyone who thinks that the president's proposed budget helps law
enforcement doesn't have all the facts. I hope that the local police
departments and sheriff's offices (as well as the average citizen who does
not want drug deals to proliferate) send letters, e- mails and call
Washington to voice their displeasure.

Dave Nichoson, Fort Pierce