Pubdate: Wed, 06 Mar 2002 Source: Corpus Christi Caller-Times (TX) Copyright: 2002 Corpus Christi Caller-Times Contact: http://www.caller.com/commcentral/email_ed.htm Website: http://www.caller.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/872 Author: Raymond P. Carlson SECRET MONEY Ronnie McDaniel (Letters, Feb. 22) asks a pertinent question: Where does the money go that is seized when accounts are frozen and people are raided? If it is a small-scale bust, it goes back into the coffers of the law enforcement agencies that conducted the raid. If it is a major operation, such as the one the CIA conducted during the Iran- Contra affair, it probably goes to support some form of oppression against a Third World nation. If you think this is not the case, please read about the Iran-Contra affair. The CIA officially has admitted to trading drugs for arms and then lying about it. What people most need to understand is that because this money is unaccounted for, it remains illegal. Drug money provides to the U.S. government a form of funds that never have to show up in the budget. Therefore, those who preach about "accountability standards" for our government should consider some eventual modification of our drug laws. Raymond P. Carlson (Redwood City, Calif.) - --- MAP posted-by: Beth