MELTON LED DRUG WAR WITH PASSION

Kudos to Frank Melton for his brief but dynamic and effective leadership as
director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics ("We needed something
different," Barbour says," Jan. 10). He approached the war against drugs
with passion, tenacity, dedication, integrity and a "hands-on" approach.

Mr. Melton attempted to clean up drug-infested neighborhoods and make them
safer for the law-abiding citizens living there. The criminals who
frequented those areas are probably dancing in the streets now that Mr.
Melton has been replaced, and are preparing to return to business as usual.

Unfortunately, the people living there who were just beginning to relax now
have to be afraid again.

It is unfortunate for us all that a political decision, one the new
governor clearly had a right to make, is likely to have a negative effect
on so many.

Ultimately we must recognize that illegal drugs and related crimes, have
the potential to affect us all . . . whether we live in the inner city, or
in gated suburban neighborhoods.

Therefore, the war on drugs in all neighborhoods should continue if any of
us is to be safe.

Anita L. Dottes

Ridgeland