Pubdate: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 Source: Reporter-Times, The (IN) Copyright: 2002 The Reporter-Times Contact: (765)342-1446 Website: http://www.hoosiertimes.com/mv-to-top/index-rt.php3 Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2081 Author: Sally McIntosh Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture) STAND AGAINST DRUGS In recent months, we've heard a lot about the city of Indianapolis. Residents are banding together to rid their communities of drugs and crime. They've taken a stand and made a difference. While Martinsville may not have the crime rate as that of big cities such as Indianapolis, it does have drugs, and where there are drugs, there are people who sell them. I can't name names or locations, but I have personally witnessed such transactions. These people make little or not effort to hide their activities. I find this very disturbing! If I witnessed these goings on, it stands to reason others did too. So why don't residents get together, communicate with one another, and work with the police department to rid our neighborhoods of drugs and drug dealers? Don't you care that someone next door or across the street is selling drugs? Doesn't it bother you that our young people are becoming drug addicts? Doesn't it concern you that once addicted, these people will commit crimes to support their habit? What if you become the victim of one of these crimes? What if it's your son or daughter, grandchild, friend or neighbor? It is not enough to "talk" to kids about drugs. Drug dealers have very persuasive ways to get kids to "try" it. We will never eliminate drugs and drug dealers entirely, but we can make it very uncomfortable for dealers to live in our neighborhoods. We can let property owners know when they rent to drug dealers, their presence won't be tolerated, and they will be held accountable. Martinsville is not a bad city, but it lacks concerned citizens. The police department is only as good as the community. The police can't be everywhere all the time. They know there are drug dealers and all branches of law enforcement will tell you they rely heavily on information they receive from the public. Report suspicious activity. Talk to your neighbors, share information. With new, more deadly drugs entering the U.S., it's time some of these "slumlords' pay the penalty. Many states are vigorously pursuing such landlords, not only seizing their property, but other assets as well. As long as drug dealers have a "safe haven" to peddle their deadly wares, they will thrive, and they'll do it right here in our city, Martinsville. It is all up to us. We can make a difference if we care enough. Sally McIntosh, Martinsville - --- MAP posted-by: Tom