DRUG FIGHT

To the editor:

In response to John Smith's July 20 column, "Overpowered by grief, dead
girl's parents won't rest in fight against Ecstasy," about the "two-person
crusade" by Jim and Elsa Heird "to raise awareness of the dangers of the
drug, and to increase the penalty for those who distribute drugs that result
in serious injury or death and the distributor does nothing to aid the
victim":

It's a tragedy that their daughter Danielle died, but I think they are in
denial and blaming the wrong people. This was her third time using this
strong drug -- that in itself shows terrible judgement on her part.

I seriously doubt her boyfriend had any clue she was going to die. Even if
he suspected she might be in trouble and did nothing, she chose him as her
boyfriend and her company. She was 21 years of age, an adult who must be
responsible for her actions. Unless someone spiked her drink or shoved the
drug down her throat, I don't see how anybody could be to blame except
herself.

Drug penalties are through the roof and unconstitutional as it is. Our
prisons are filled with drug distributors serving life without parole for
what other people chose to do. What's left? Shoot them on sight? We might
have to, because as long as we continue to hold people responsible for what
other people do, there will be no end to this.

Chris Pappas

Las Vegas