Pubdate: Thu, 06 Jun 2002 Source: El Paso Times (TX) Copyright: 2002 El Paso Times Contact: http://www.elpasotimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/829 Author: Robert Sharpe FBI SHIFT IS CORRECT I write in response to the El Paso Times' June 3 editorial, "FBI changes focus; vigilance against drug-smuggling must be maintained." The FBI's shift in priorities is long overdue. Not only does international terrorism pose a greater threat than drugs, but well- intended efforts to stop the flow of illegal drugs effectively subsidize organized crime. Attempts to limit supply while demand remains constant only make drug trafficking more profitable. Terrorists understand what Al Capone learned in the 1920s: There are enormous profits to be made on the black market. While the FBI tries to make amends, I believe the Drug Enforcement Administration is seeking to cash in on America's tragedy. The latest government anti-drug campaign seeks to link the war on drugs to the war on terrorism. The illicit drug of choice in America is domestic marijuana, not Afghan heroin or Colombian cocaine. Taxing and regulating marijuana would derail the drug-war gravy train. As long as marijuana remains illegal and distributed by organized crime, consumers will continue to come into contact with drugs like cocaine and heroin. Bureaucrats whose jobs depend on the never-ending drug war prefer to blame the plant itself for the alleged "gateway" to hard drugs. Robert Sharpe Program Officer, Drug Policy Alliance Washington, D.C. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth