Pubdate: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 Source: Savannah Morning News (GA) Copyright: 2009 Savannah Morning News Contact: http://www.savannahnow.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/401 Author: Nadra Enzi LET'S TURN UP HEAT IN DRUG WAR Keep Putting On The Heat I support the war on drugs and I want it fought much harder than current levels. I support the war on drugs. That said, I must add that for zip codes like mine (31415) we've been written off as occupied territory with little hope of being reclaimed. While it won't be won any time soon, or at all some caution, I want it fought much harder than current levels. The present administration has yet to weigh in on its vision for breaking the stranglehold crack dealers and users have on the inner city. From what I see, these enemies gain ground and take more lives with token opposition from the powers-that-be. One bright spot is increased policing spearheaded by Interim Chief Willie Lovett. Our Counter Narcotics Team has struck the fear of God in street-level dealers, but federal dollars would make the job easier. Having them under the command of the metro police chief wouldn't hurt either. Supporting an unpopular but vital war in the middle of occupied territory is interesting. Fellow would-be hostages of crack dealers and users feel my pain only too well. Outsiders may dismiss our experiences as "those people's problem," but from our beachhead march trouble for all zip codes and neighborhoods. Solving the problem where we lives solves it for everybody. While my support of the war on drugs begins in the Black community, it extends to living rooms far beyond my domain. I see beautiful women destroyed by addiction and with them vanishes the promise of two parent families and even the hope of viable single parent households. With each hit of the crack pipe they burn away more self-respect and torch the ability to manage themselves, let alone children or even healthy relationships. For this alone I hate those who sell slow motion death to mothers who in turn choose the next fix over the next chance to raise their children. The war on drugs is personal because I don't need a longitudinal study to understand its necessity. All I have to do is step on my porch or look at those whose efforts I provide security advise against. I don't smoke tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, meth or any popular poisons. I usually don't drink except on a sub-social basis. I don't wish my boring lifestyle on anyone and have no problem with those who choose to ingest what they will, so long as they don't harm others in the process. Harming others in the name of using and/or selling drugs makes you the enemy in my book. The mindless violence, robotic prostitution, birth defects and other forms of death drugs are more than enough reasons to support the war on drugs. When you decide to harm others, you decide to have society declare war on you. The war on drugs isn't perfect, but it's the best one we have for stopping what is destroying my community. When it's next to impossible in some places to find a man without a drug felony or a woman who isn't a drug-induced prostitute, somebody needs to declare legal war on such conditions. From where I sit, the war on drugs is still the best one available. Any doubters need to take a tour of 31415 with me and decide for themselves. Nadra Enzi, AKA Capt. Black, promotes crime prevention and self-development in Savannah. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D