Pubdate: Fri, 10 Aug 2007 Source: Christian Science Monitor (US) Copyright: 2007 The Christian Science Publishing Society Contact: http://www.csmonitor.com/cgi-bin/contactus.pl Website: http://www.csmonitor.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/83 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n944/a01.html Author: Michael Brautigam STOPPING BORDER DRUG OPERATIONS After reading the Aug. 8 article about drugs in Mexico, I believe that if the US seriously wanted to have an immediate impact on Mexico's control of drug violence, it would legalize (though heavily regulate) all drugs immediately. As a former narcotics prosecutor in New York City, this is the only rational way to reduce drug violence. Why would anyone think that more of the same will work? More aid to Mexico will only allow corrupt officials to sell protection to the highest bidder and use the American military to eliminate the competition. The drug flow will continue more or less unabated as long as US drug demand is there. Michael Brautigam Cincinnati - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake