GOOD INTENTIONS, BUT . . .

Re "MAD DADS targets drugs, gangs, violence," June 19
article:

The war on drugs is just that, "war," and will take a lot more than
what Donald Foy, president of the Jacksonville MAD DADS chapter, and
Ernest Cantley, president of Stewart-Marchman Center for Chemical
Independence, have outlined in the MAD DADS article.

Drugs are sold on a 24-hour basis in many areas including within
spitting distance of the drug treatment center on North Street in
Daytona Beach. Do they really think a rally will put a dent in the
drug trade? I know it won't. Profound street-level dealers sell drugs
under the noses of the police, signaling customers to other corners as
they run through the woods to meet them. They have lookouts, and in
some cases they use walkie-talkies and police scanners.

A large group of people will only act as a distraction, making it
possible to pull off the transaction without detection. Well over 50
percent of drug deals start on a cell phone now, during which
locations are selected.

Although I am sure they have very good intentions, such plans have
been tried before. So while on the corner with their prayer groups,
they will need to pray for a miracle.

Although Donald Foy sounds like a very brave man and these walks will
be very well planned, let's hope police escorts won't be paid for at
taxpayers' expense or from grant money that was intended to make a
real impact.

At one time I was also a brave man, hanging out in places most people
would not drive by, let alone get out in. Today I am a smart man, and
I say let's get the problem under control. Then there would be cause
for such rallying and it could be done safely. Maybe they could rally
before the mayor, local police and city leaders. Then maybe they would
put loss-leader projects on the side burner.

If Foy and Cantley insist, let's send these drug dealers a really
stern message and persuade Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson to dress
like Andy Griffith and lead these rallies in his $10,000 squad car.
Johnson would not be a true American if he declined.

JOHN P. CARBREY

Ormond Beach