Pubdate: Thu, 22 Aug 2002
Source: Christian Science Monitor (US)
Copyright: 2002 The Christian Science Publishing Society
Contact:  http://www.csmonitor.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/83
Author: Diana Lillig,  Seattle

  LET THE POPPIES BLOOM

In response to your Aug. 21 article "Poppies bloom in Afghan fields, 
again": The US should not take an active role in discouraging the 
cultivation of poppies in Afghanistan. Funds spent "battling" the opiate 
trade are less productive than investing the same amount of money in 
preventive education. There will always be a market for opiates. Money 
spent on "controlling the problem" could be better spent on basic amenities 
in a poverty-stricken country.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom