Pubdate: Fri, 22 Jun 2001
Source: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram (TX)
Copyright: 2001 Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas
Contact:  http://www.star-telegram.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/162
Author: Steve Helms

THAT OTHER 'WAR'

In his "war" with the U.S. government, Timothy McVeigh killed and injured 
hundreds of innocent people. As the McVeigh saga unfolded, another "war" 
continued, which over the years has killed and maimed hundreds of innocent 
people, ruined the lives of millions, and made a mockery of international 
law and the civil rights guaranteed to Americans.

Why does the American public put up with this collateral damage that occurs 
in America and, at America's behest, worldwide? Is it underreported? Or is 
it that, instead of occurring in a single act, it is spread out and easily 
forgotten?

Should we blame elected officials who successfully use sound bites to spur 
voters to action while furthering their own careers? Should we blame the 
government agencies that add their spin to the facts to increase government 
funding for this war?

No, we should blame ourselves - the voters who elect and re-elect those who 
pass laws that have resulted in so much destruction.

It is time to end this war and concentrate on harm reduction. Provide 
treatment instead of incarceration, and education instead of Draconian 
laws, and elect politicians who will protect basic human rights.

End the drug war, or accept the fact that we are no different from McVeigh.

Steve Helms Southlake
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom