Pubdate: Sun, 28 Dec 2003 Source: Ledger-Enquirer (GA) Copyright: 2003 Ledger-Enquirer Contact: http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/enquirer/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/237 Author: Ted Qualls THE DRUG SCOURGE The tragic shooting of Kenneth Walker shows this community's ongoing problem with illegal drugs. Even though Mr. Walker and his companions had nothing to do with drugs, the string of events came about because of this community's continued complacency when it comes to drug addiction. Victims of DUI-related accidents hold establishments or individuals responsible for supplying alcohol to the offender. Some cities and individuals are holding handgun manufacturers responsible for the ever-growing violence in their communities. So whom do we hold responsible - -- the Sheriff's Department for trying to do an increasingly dangerous job, with a force that may not be up to the task? Some say the victims, for not completely complying with the deputies' directives. Blame may rest with both; no one knows but the people involved. Without a doubt, blame should go to the portion of our community that keeps the drug trade in business -- the users! Our communities must keep an open mind and not let outside influences distort this tragedy into some national political event. My fear is that when these people leave, they will leave a city more divided than ever. Sure, our local politicians will say all the right things, shake all the right hands and make all the right promises. But in the end it's going to be the individual person, each and every one of us, who will make this terrible event have some lasting constructive presence. Until we answer the question of why our citizens continue to use and traffic in illegal drugs we will continue to suffer the loss of great people like Kenneth Walker. TED QUALLS, Columbus - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom