OFFICERS FIGHT WAR ON DRUGS

Becky Ryan (Letter Box, Nov. 16) sure does sound unappreciative of the
efforts made by the Randolph County sheriff's office. Evidently, she
did not read the article on the front page very carefully. In her
letter she says Sheriff Hurley "should be doing something every day
instead of making a big headline every once in a while."

Does she really think that over 80 people were rounded up and taken
out of commission selling drugs in one day? Does she have any respect
for the fact that this "sting" has been going on every day for many
months? What about the undercover officers who put their lives on the
line in order to help build cases against the criminals ?

Ryan and other critics like her should thank our local law
enforcement, instead of insulting them when they do a good job. Part
of her letter says, "Something has got to be done about the drug
problem. It is out of hand." What does she think this sting was all
about? Someone is trying to "do something." And she is criticizing
them for it.

Incidentally, what does Gerald Hege have to do with anything? If he
had done his job properly he would still be in office in a position to
fight drugs. He is out of power because he abused his position.

Ryan should congratulate the men and women of the sheriff's department
on a job well done instead of being so negative.

I do agree with Ryan on one point. Drugs in our community are out of
hand. We need to pull together and fight this problem as hard as we
can. And we need to support those who are trying every single day to
lead that fight.

Sherri Stanton

Archdale