STATE MUST FACE REALITY OF E. KY.'S DRUG PROBLEMS

In the Herald-Leader's April 19 article headlined "Thousands in Pulaski
mourn fallen sheriff," The Rev. Gerald Ashley is quoted as saying, "We
can't let the terrorists and murderers win."

How do we stop them? We need to awaken from our collective statewide denial
and recognize that Appalachia is already ruled by well-funded illegal drug
terrorists.

I live in Adair County and spent a year as secretary, then chairwoman, for
the local drug task force. During 2001, I heard one official after another
deny Adair had a serious problem with illegal drugs, even though our
county, according to recent statistics, has the highest per-capita arrest
rate for crack cocaine in the state.

Neither do they admit that in the wake of three murders and an attempted
murder of witnesses in drug cases in 2001, residents were living in terror
of drug pushers.

As chairwoman, I was told by task force members to be careful what I said,
or I might be hurt, even killed.

I see little difference between Colombia, and that country's drug-related
terrorism, and Columbia. Sure, government appears to function until someone
challenges the criminals, as in Somerset. Then you find out the alarming
truth: Things are out of control. Kentucky has got a big problem in Appalachia.

When is this state going to take steps to clean out the government
corruption in Appalachia and call for a widespread attack on drug dealing
terrorists? We need help. President Bush sent condolences. How about some
serious money to equip federal and state drug enforcement?

JAN FLETCHER

Columbia