Pubdate: Sat, 17 Mar 2007
Source: Daily News Journal  (Murfreesboro, TN)
Copyright: 2007 The Daily News Journal
Contact: 
http://dnj.midsouthnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=CUSTOMERSERVICE03
Website: http://dnj.midsouthnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1709
Author: David Grubbs
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)

BUSH SHOULD DECLARE WAR ON AFGHAN HEROIN TRADE

To the editor,

With the word, "Go," President George W. Bush invaded Iraq. All he 
has to do is use that same word to attack the treasure and lifeline 
of our terrorist enemies in Afghanistan. When you are at war, you 
must demolish the enemy's economic base. That, for the Taliban and 
terrorists, is the beautiful red poppy that grows in abundance in 
huge open fields. That country, over which we should have some 
control, is the world's largest producer of heroin. After years of 
trying to defeat our foes and the warlords, Bush has not given that 
simple command, "Go."

Drug money from the poppy crops pays the enemy soldiers and buys 
weapons and supplies. Without these funds, they would be severely 
crippled. Last year saw the largest crop ever grown in Afghanistan 
and this year's is to be bigger.

We know very well how to destroy such crops, having perfected the 
technique in the coca areas of Colombia and Bolivia. There is no 
problem from a technological standpoint to prevent the poppies from 
being sprayed into oblivion. We should not ask permission from 
Karzai, who would be overthrown immediately if he were found to be 
involved. Since it is American troops Bush must be concerned with, he 
should act immediately.

Further tragedy results from the heroin coming into our cities. It is 
of the highest quality and is so pure, people have died because they 
are not used to such potency.

Pressure must be placed on our congressional delegation, especially 
Sens. Corker and Alexander, to put a fire under Bush to act. We must 
hit the enemy hard to end this war in Afghanistan. Poppy farmers 
would be "collateral" damage, and that is too bad. Inaction on Bush's 
part is helping the enemy. Until we break the financial back of the 
foe, we will have to agree with Pogo, "We have met the enemy and they is us."

David Grubbs

Forest Glen Court
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman