Pubdate: Mon, 30 Jul 2001
Source: Capital Times, The  (WI)
Copyright: 2001 The Capital Times
Contact:  http://www.thecapitaltimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/73
Author: Jacqueline Kelley

DRUG WAR COSTS TOO MUCH -- MORE THAN REAL WAR

Kudos to The Capital Times for commending Mayor Bauman's call for a truce 
in the drug war, a counterproductive campaign if there ever was one.

Most Americans probably have little idea of what this war costs. Here's an 
example. In the same issue of newspaper in which the original article 
appeared, the July Harper's Index (#32) asked: "Rate of the total amount 
the U.S. spent on the Gulf War to the amount it spent last year on the drug 
war?' The answer is 2:5. That boggles my imagination. Although the Gulf War 
cost a great deal, the requirements of the drug war for just one year dwarf 
that amount. For this obscene investment, we have warehoused thousands of 
non-violent federal prisoners, removing them from family contacts and 
responsibilities, and ignore genuine needs of our citizens. Yet, the trade 
in illicit drugs marches on.

But there is more mischief occasioned by our drug war, illustrated by 
Harper's Index #31: "Percentage change in the size of Colombia's coca crop 
since its 'Plan Colombia' coca eradication campaign began in 1999?" The 
answer is +11. For all the money our military has poured into Colombia, it 
seems that the supply of coca keeps increasing. Furthermore, according to a 
Colombian resident I heard speak in Madison earlier this year, 
indiscriminate spraying of coca crops by the United States has affected 
other crops as well and ravaged the livelihoods of countless peasants.

The mayor's sensible approach to declare an end to the war and start caring 
for the wounded (those who are addicted) must inevitably happen. How much 
longer will the resources of the United States sink into a bottomless rat 
hole, disrupt American families and harm innocent foreigners? I plan to 
listen to what Mayor Bauman has to say and keep an open mind. The current 
situation could hardly be worse for the soul and the resources of this country.

Jacqueline Kelley
Madison
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom