UNLEASH SHOCK AND AWE AGAINST DURHAM CRIME

For years now, just as darkness falls over the city, the terrorists take to
the streets. Using weapons of mass destruction (cocaine, crack cocaine,
heroin and other lethal weapons) they spray their own people. A few of
these people die quickly and others affected by these weapons rape, beat or
kill others. Some go berserk, stealing and trying to destroy everything
around them.

Some terrorists, dressed in blue or red, blast city buses with small arms
weapons. Others disperse to shopping centers, malls and convenience stores
to rob, assault and steal.

As the morning sun rises these terrorists go back to their caves and the
daytime terrorists take to the streets. Using intimidation tactics, they
speed, tailgate or run red lights on the roads, causing death and
destruction. Those with lavish government jobs steal or mismanage money the
citizens have entrusted to them. Others go into homes or businesses,
stealing from, terrorizing or killing the occupants. Darkness falls again.

No, this isn't Iraq. It's daily life in Durham.

One question for the mayor, police chief, sheriff, magistrates and judges:
Where's our "shock and awe" campaign?

If the U.S. military can oust a bunch of thugs in three weeks, surely you
can accomplish something similar. What is the problem? How about an honest
answer. Taxpayers are paying good money for one.

PHIL McCARSON Durham April 23, 2003