Pubdate: Sat, 16 Dec 2000 Source: Austin American-Statesman (TX) Copyright: 2000 Austin American-Statesman Contact: P. O. Box 670 Austin, Texas 78767 Fax: 512-445-3679 Website: http://www.austin360.com/statesman/editions/today/ Author: Patrick Dixon WAR ON DRUGS A FAILURE The Nov. 11 article regarding the growing heroin problem in the Northwest adds to the evidence that this nation's war on drugs is ineffective. The response of politicians has always been to throw money and guns at the problem. We send millions to Colombia and elsewhere. The money lands in the pockets of those who have no intention of stopping drug trafficking. On top of that, heavy handed tactics have gotten to the point that drug warriors have publicly stated that aggressive treatment and racial profiling are a result of the political pressure exerted by the drug war. I have never used drugs. My intention is to stop the loss of property, money, lives and individuals' rights. If this is an issue that is important to you and you want to make your vote count, consider casting your next vote for a Libertarian. Patrick Dixon, Lago Vista - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk