Pubdate: Wed, 28 Aug 2002
Source: Tennessean, The (TN)
Copyright: 2002 The Tennessean
Contact:  http://www.tennessean.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/447
Author: Jim Bellar

DRUG RAID WAS MORE ABOUT SYMBOLISM

To the Editor:

"Get them boys in the air, we got drug money to spend" was my first thought 
when I read about drug agents seizing pot in East Tennessee. The photo 
image of agents rappelling from choppers left me both amused and outraged.

In a year when we have seen state parks closed, state employees humiliated 
and tuition at colleges climb beyond reach for many, our priority is to 
send machete-wielding men (they're only doing what they're told) on a 
symbolic, media event that has little to do with the drug war.

If we have designated money to spend, let's focus on the crack and crank 
houses that continue to destroy families and drain medical and law 
enforcement resources all across our state. Oh, I forgot, those are 
probably not easy to spot from the air.

Jim Bellar

Nashville 37206
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