BUSH SHOULD DECLARE WAR ON AFGHAN HEROIN TRADE

To the editor,

With the word, "Go," President George W. Bush invaded Iraq. All he
has to do is use that same word to attack the treasure and lifeline
of our terrorist enemies in Afghanistan. When you are at war, you
must demolish the enemy's economic base. That, for the Taliban and
terrorists, is the beautiful red poppy that grows in abundance in
huge open fields. That country, over which we should have some
control, is the world's largest producer of heroin. After years of
trying to defeat our foes and the warlords, Bush has not given that
simple command, "Go."

Drug money from the poppy crops pays the enemy soldiers and buys
weapons and supplies. Without these funds, they would be severely
crippled. Last year saw the largest crop ever grown in Afghanistan
and this year's is to be bigger.

We know very well how to destroy such crops, having perfected the
technique in the coca areas of Colombia and Bolivia. There is no
problem from a technological standpoint to prevent the poppies from
being sprayed into oblivion. We should not ask permission from
Karzai, who would be overthrown immediately if he were found to be
involved. Since it is American troops Bush must be concerned with, he
should act immediately.

Further tragedy results from the heroin coming into our cities. It is
of the highest quality and is so pure, people have died because they
are not used to such potency.

Pressure must be placed on our congressional delegation, especially
Sens. Corker and Alexander, to put a fire under Bush to act. We must
hit the enemy hard to end this war in Afghanistan. Poppy farmers
would be "collateral" damage, and that is too bad. Inaction on Bush's
part is helping the enemy. Until we break the financial back of the
foe, we will have to agree with Pogo, "We have met the enemy and they is us."

David Grubbs

Forest Glen Court