Pubdate: Thu, 15 Jun 2000
Source: Star-Gazette (NY)
Contact:  http://www.stargazette.com/
Author: Vincent Calaman

'JUST SAYING NO' WON'T WIN WAR ON DRUGS

The so-called war on drugs that this country has been waging has been of a
picayune nature, or in layman's terms, of little value.

"Just say no" is but a meek response to a burgeoning wildfire that has run
rampant among too many of America's citizens.

What is the cost per year in lives, money, time and anguish in the United
States alone? Why not approach this problem in a more direct nature? Let us
point the finger at the true villains. Let's look in the mirror. If what you
see is a drug user, then you are the curse that will destroy yourself.

You will see the billions and billions of wasted tax dollars. You will see a
reflection of a senseless waste of not only your mind, but your children's
minds.

Look closer at this reflection and see the drug cartels that supply you with
the nectar of delusion, the corruptible balm, which if used in continuity
will disgrace your very existence. And no one will care.

There can be no need for drug makers or drug sellers if there are no users.

Let us quit the useless banter of "just say no." Tell the buyer and user of
drugs they are responsible for the deaths of many innocents in the countries
that make the stuff.

People who make or deliver drugs have no market unless some fool buys it. So
who then is the greater offender? If you are a user, or thinking about it,
you will be doing what our enemies cannot do to this country -- that is
destroy it from inside out.

This is the message drug users should be given.

VINCENT CALAMAN, Monroeton, Pa.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Don Beck