Pubdate: Mon, 07 Jan 2008
Source: Orlando Sentinel (FL)
Copyright: 2008 Orlando Sentinel
Contact:  http://www.orlandosentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/325
Note: Rarely prints out-of-state LTEs.
Author: Jim Kerrigan

PAY FOR POPPIES

An article on Page A4 in Thursday's paper about  Afghanistan is
somewhat mystifying. It concerns the  proliferating growth of the
poppy crop and our quest to  decrease its production. Ordinary Afghan
farmers  produce the crop as they have for centuries to raise
families and pay their bills. Although unlawful, the  growing of
poppies is integrated in Afghan culture. The  customer base for opium
use covers the globe from the  most affluent to the most destitute
among us and  wouldn't be profitable otherwise.

So, given that this Afghan trade amounts to $4 billion  a year as
mentioned, instead of trying to change  culture (as we have in other
countries) why not pay the  poppy farmers $5 billion a year (what's
another couple  of billion when we're expending billions a week in
Iraq)? They'd be happy with the 25 percent increase,  we'd have the
poppy and the militants wouldn't have  extra cash for weapons.

One more radical thought: Instead of destroying the  stuff, give the
resultant opium away -- for free. This  would undercut the economic
base of the product through  illegal American drug dealers and
eliminate the need of  less fortunate addicts to steal and murder for
money to  sustain the habit.

Unfortunately, unless we eliminate the need there will  always be
illegal drugs, whether the customers be rich  or poor.

JIM KERRIGAN

Rockledge
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MAP posted-by: Steve Heath