Pubdate: Tue, 25 Dec 2001 Source: Eau Claire Leader-Telegram (WI) Copyright: 2001 Eau Claire Press Contact: http://www.leadertelegram.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/236 DRUG USERS FUND TERRORISM Our nation has begun its war on terrorism, and it promises to extend to all places and governments that sponsor or harbor terrorist organization. We have had a war on drugs for many years, and it may be expected to continue and to be stepped up with the sources of the drug trade such as Colombia. As we seek to eradicate terrorism, we should remember that the United States is the largest market for illegal drugs in the world. Drug traders are among the worst of all terrorist organizations. They think nothing of using murder and kidnapping to make sure that they are successful in getting their drugs to the United States and other markets. We cannot overlook our own complicity with the drug terrorists. In fact, using marijuana, cocaine, heroin and other drugs is illegal, and drug users violate the law. If we in the United states were not users, the market would dry up and with it the terrorism that results from trading drugs. But using drugs persists, and in so doing drug users are complicit with terrorism. They aid and abet the terrorist by buying and giving them money. The money fuels the drug trade. Drug use has had some of the worst and most expensive impacts on our society. It is not only the murder and kidnapping of the traders, but the terror wreaked on the families of the users. Family fortunes, abused parents and children, and drug-addicted babies are the common results of drug use. Yes, drug users are directly complicit and involved with terrorism. I hope "United We Stand" has meaning to the so-called recreational drug users and their casual winking at the terrorism they sponsor. HAROLD E. DAVIS Eau Claire - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom