AFGHANISTAN, DRUGS

Once again Afghanistan is the world's largest opium producer, producing
some 70 percent of the world's opium. The Taliban banned the production of
opium in 1994. Since the 2001 U.S.-led destruction of the Taliban, opium
production has soared. This year's bumper crop will line the pockets of the
U.S.-backed warlords with billions of dollars.

The bombing and killing of thousands of Afghans not only has produced chaos
in that country, but, now will affect the millions of opium addicts worldwide.

The Bush administration bombs first, thinks later. Now, children in Asia
that might not have had the opportunity to try opium for the first time can
become addicts of this powerful drug, thanks to the thoughtful policy of
our current administration.

Mary Patterson

Overland Park