Pubdate: Mon, 31 Mar 2003
Source: North County Times (CA)
Copyright: 2003 North County Times
Contact:  http://www.nctimes.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1080
Author: J. Stryker Meyer, North County Times staff writer.

A WAR WE'RE LOSING AT HOME

The U.S. "war on drugs" is no war at all. I recently talked to a retired
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent who fought the North Vietnamese
Army and Viet Cong as a combat Marine in Vietnam and in the trenches of the
drug war in New York and San Diego County.

"When I was in Vietnam our combat unit won every engagement with the enemy
in the field," he said. "The U.S. lost the war when it lost its resolve to
win."

As a drug agent for more than 20 years, he watched the lip service paid to
the war on drugs by federal officials, but there was never a "will to win
it," he said. "We had a national commitment to win the Korean War, World War
II. Sadly, the failure to win the war on drugs was lost on my beat despite
my very best efforts."

Two decades ago, a kilo of cocaine cost $30,000 to $40,000. Today, a kilo
runs for $17,000 and it is of higher purity than 20 years ago. Marijuana's
potency is double what it was 20 years ago, he said.

North County middle schools, high schools and colleges are full of drug
pushers, slick merchants of death. One reason they thrive is because there
is no national resolve to address the issue.

There is no such lack of resolve in Iraq. A classic example of it was in a
speech delivered by Major General J.N. Mattis. to 1st Marine Division troops
shortly before they entered Iraq. His words ring of valor from centuries
past:

"For decades, Saddam Hussein has tortured, imprisoned, raped and murdered
the Iraqi people, invaded neighboring countries without provocation and
threatened the world with weapons of mass destruction. The time has come to
end his reign of terror. On your young shoulders rest the hopes of mankind.

"When I give you the word, together we will cross the line of departure,
close with those forces that choose to fight, and destroy them. Our fight is
not with the Iraqi people, nor is it with members of the Iraqi army who
choose to surrender. While we will move swiftly and aggressively against
those who resist, we will treat all others with decency, demonstrating
chivalry and soldierly compassion for people who have endured a lifetime
under Saddam's oppression.

"Chemical attack, treachery and use of the innocent as human shields can be
expected, as can other unethical tactics. Take it all in stride. Be the
hunter, not the hunted; never allow your unit to be caught with its guard
down. Use good judgment and act in (the) best interest of our nation.

"You are part of the world's most feared and trusted force. Engage your
brain before your weapon. Share your courage with each other as we enter the
uncertain terrain north of the line of departure. Keep faith in your
comrades on your left and right and Marine air overhead. Fight with a happy
heart and strong spirit.

"For the mission's sake, our country's sake, and the sake of the men who
carried the division's colors in past battles, who fought for life and never
lost their nerve, carry out your mission and keep your honor clean.
Demonstrate to the world there is no better friend, no worse enemy than a
U.S. Marine."

President Bush needs to focus his resolve to combat illegal drugs in our
country or the consequences will be far more deleterious on America's
future.
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MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk