Pubdate: Mon, 11 Dec 2006
Source: Baltimore Sun (MD)
Copyright: 2006 The Baltimore Sun, a Times Mirror Newspaper.
Contact:  http://www.baltimoresun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/37
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n1648/a03.html
Author: Kirk Muse

COLLATERAL DAMAGE STAINS WAR ON DRUGS

Thanks for publishing Cynthia Tucker's outstanding column "88 
year-old woman is latest collateral damage in drug war" (Opinion 
Commentary, Dec. 4).

The only thing unusual about the death of Kathryn Johnston was her 
age. Otherwise, this story would hardly have been news outside of Georgia.

Apologies will be offered and actions will be regretted. But Ms. 
Johnston is still dead.

Dead because Ms. Johnston was suspected of selling the wrong 
recreational drug to willing buyers.

Dead because Ms. Johnston probably assumed that someone breaking into 
her home in the middle of the night was up to no good.

Dead because Ms. Johnston tried to defend herself.

Kirk Muse

Mesa, Ariz.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake