Pubdate: Fri, 30 May 2003
Source: Pilot,The (NC)
Copyright: 2003 The Pilot LLC
Contact:  http://www.thepilot.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1701
Author: Sherri Evans

A WAR WORTH FIGHTING

This is in response to Jason Camp's letter titled "Sheriff's War on Drugs 
Is a Wasted Exercise" in the May 23 Pilot.

Camp has his priorities greatly misplaced, stating, "I would like to see 
our sheriff deprioritize drug offenses and focus on the murderers, rapists 
and robbers in our community, because they are taking away our rights as 
Americans." If Camp would do his homework, he would find that the vast 
majority of violent crimes, including murders, rapes and robberies, involve 
drugs, whether the offender is on them at the time of the crime or 
committing the crime to fund a drug habit.

Camp further states, "Our country is currently under threat of terrorist 
attack. Why are these dangerous criminals being given room to breathe for 
the sake of a ridiculous war on drugs?" Again, do your homework. Much of 
the terrorists' activities are being funded by the sale of illicit 
narcotics, and no one knows how many terrorist attacks have been thwarted 
by the arrest and incarceration of terrorists for narcotics offenses.

I will give Camp credit on one thing. I agree we probably will never win 
the war on drugs. If the druggies want the drugs, they will get them. But 
we cannot just surrender. We must keep fighting for the sake of our 
children. And contrary to Camp's comment that "the United States has been 
in this war on drugs for many years without ever winning any real 
victories." I feel that every child who grows up without being hooked on 
drugs is a major victory.

One more thing, Mr. Camp. I do feel safer knowing my neighbors do not smoke 
marijuana or do cocaine. And to all the law officers in Moore County: Good 
job and go get 'em!

Sherri Evans
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens