Pubdate: Wed, 25 Jun 2014
Source: Los Angeles Times (CA)
Copyright: 2014 Los Angeles Times
Contact:  http://www.latimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/248
Author: Jan MacMichael

DRUG ABUSE FUELS BORDER CRISIS

Re "Examining the crisis at the border," Q&A, June 22

If it's correct that "drug cartels and gangs are at the root of the 
increased violence" in Central America, then buyers of illegal drugs 
are partly to blame for the current crisis at our border.

Those who feel entitled to get high using illicit drugs should 
understand that their actions are jeopardizing the lives and 
well-being of people in other countries and at our border, and are 
fueling gang violence in the U.S.

In addition, the impact of their drug use is reflected in our 
overburdened justice system, a strained healthcare system and lost 
productivity. And many will die an unnecessary premature death. The 
annual economic cost of illicit drug use in our country is estimated 
by the U.S. Department of Justice's National Drug Intelligence Center 
to be about $215 billion.

Drug abusers should adopt some moral fortitude, be responsible 
citizens and above all let common sense prevail. Innocent people are 
dying because they want to take their brains for a spin. It's not a 
worthy cause.

Jan MacMichael

South Pasadena
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom