'DRUG WAR' CRITIC'S FACTS WERE MISTAKEN

After waking up for the last seven years, putting on a bullet-proof
vest and placing my life on the line, I am amazed to find out I am
part of the problem causing the nation-wide drug epidemic. According
to Rev. Donald R. Caughey, my fellow officers, the system and myself
have made everything worse (Letters, July 16, "Tougher drug laws
don't solve anything").

Rev. Caughey is correct in saying that the addiction should be
treated as an illness, with proper medical attention. However, he has
no clue when it comes to "take the profit out of production." How
does he recommend we do that? Do we not address this issue by going
after the drug dealers, attacking their market and sending them to jail?

Rev. Caughey and Jeff Barrie are also off-mark when it comes to
marijuana. These days, marijuana has a higher THC content. Much of
this marijuana is grown on public lands using pesticides and
herbicides, and when the drug grower is finished, he seldom cleans
up. This leaves a huge burden on the state and destroys the
environment. This also causes a safety issue when hikers, hunters and
the other people who may come in contact with gun-toting growers who
are determined to protect their crop.

I would also point out that "cops only enforce the law; we don't make
them." If Rev. Caughey, Mr. Barrie and the "legalize drugs;
don't-blame-me-it's-the-establishment's-fault crowd wants to change
the law, they should talk to their elected officials.

Detective Ken Real

Adair Village