SHERIFF'S WAR ON DRUGS IS A WASTED EXERCISE

Last month The Pilot ran an interview with Moore County Sheriff Lane
Carter. I was greatly disappointed to hear that he is prioritizing
drug laws.

There are many violent criminals on our streets today. Our country is
currently under threat of terrorist attack. Why are these dangerous
criminals being given room to breathe for the sake of a ridiculous war
on drugs?

I'm glad our sheriff is proficient at busting people for drugs and
wants to seem tough on crime, but I don't feel any safer knowing my
neighbors do not smoke marijuana or do cocaine.

A month ago, a friend of mine was mugged by an armed assailant. That
criminal is still at large. This does not make me feel safe. Our
sheriff talks about moving more deputies away from finding violent
criminals like this so that he can bust more drug dealers.

The United States has been in this war on drugs for many years without
ever winning any real victories. The war on drugs is a political sham.
The key to "fighting drugs" is not locking up tons of users. It is in
educating and taking responsibility for our friends, neighbors and
children.

The sheriff and any other law enforcement officer will never succeed
in stopping the underground marketing of drugs. People want them, and
they will find a way to get them.

Our sheriff also complains about the judicial system being clogged
here in Moore County. He also brags about how many drug offenders his
regime has busted. Does anyone realize the relationship between
overcrowded jails, clogged courts and our sheriff's recent binge on
drug-law enforcement?

I would like to see our sheriff deprioritize drug offenses and focus
on the murderers, rapists and robbers in our community, because they
are taking away our rights as Americans.

Drugs themselves are a social issue that cannot be solved by force.
Only with love and knowledge can we fight drug abuse in our community.

Jason Camp

Southern Pines

The length limit on letters was waived to permit a fuller discussion
of the issue.