Since 2000, U.S. assistance to Colombia has been $3.9 billion, of which $3.14 billion has been used to fund Colombia's military, police and drug-crop eradication by aerial fumigation. Bush wants to reauthorize this aid for another five years. The purpose of this program is to decrease the amount and increase the price of cocaine in the United States. The Times calls the program "a remarkable success," citing a 30% decrease in coca production. Not mentioned is the fact that coca production in neighboring Bolivia has meanwhile increased. Furthermore, both the availability and the price of cocaine on U.S. streets have remained the same since 1995. [continues 99 words]
California's opportunity to model a positive way to deal with drug abuse could be hampered by lack of funding ("Flood of Drug Diversion Cases Feared," June 18). Does it make sense that our federal government is spending billions ($1.3 billion to Colombia under the Clinton administration and a proposed $1 billion to the Andean region by the Bush administration) for eradication of coca at its source. So far, most of this money is being used to provide helicopters, chemicals and training to the military for the aerial spraying of coca fields. [continues 86 words]
