FAKE-DRUG FUNDAMENTALS

The investigation into the fake-drug scandal cannot be content with minor
charges against two low-level individuals. Major changes are needed in
upper levels of the various law enforcement administrations.

From 1999 until the scandal broke, the narcotic enforcement community
in Dallas County lacked meaningful leadership. No agency was willing
to police the police. Every agency defaulted its public
responsibility. The narcotics task force, the FBI, the Dallas police,
the sheriff and the offices of the Dallas district attorney and the
United States attorney =AD all should be held accountable.

One case under review (Michael L. Flores) is a perfect example of the
atmosphere, attitudes and policies that bore the fake-drug scandal.

Will the public finally get what it deserves: the truth, the whole
truth, or will we get the less-embarrassing politically correct
administrations' version? Only the special prosecutor knows; time will
tell.

MIKE PARRISH

Private citizen

Fort Worth