Pubdate: Thu, 26 Jun 2008 Source: Langley Times (CN BC) Copyright: 2008 Langley Times Contact: http://www.langleytimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1230 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n598/a11.html Author: Tony Smith HE'S READY FOR THE CHALLENGE Editor: I will very willingly take up the challenge laid down by Clayton Randle (letters, The Times, June 18). For starters as to Clayton's sly statement regarding smokes, I will state that I have never used any illegal substances. I hope Clayton's record is as clear, and he does not abuse alcohol. Let's leave that, as this level of sniping is usually reserved for question period in the House. The last time I checked, Mexico also has a parliamentary democracy. There are clearly gang wars happening across our country, as in Mexico. Only a tiny proportion will ever be solved, as few witnesses in their right mind ever testify. Those who do will usually retract their statements in fear of their lives. Usually the only witnesses to be found will be vicious criminal thugs, who are offered millions of dollars for their testimony. The gangs at present are not targeting outsiders but they have no compunction about their incidental killing, as we have seen in both Surrey and Toronto. They have targeted outsiders however. Ask Michel Auger, a Montreal journalist who was shot five times when his last column gave too much information about the Montreal gang scene. At some point when it becomes necessary, they will take that next step. The vast profit to be made from illegal drugs is what drives all of this violence. World drug trade represents seven per cent of all trade. I suspect Clayton follows the old adage "most people prefer to believe what they prefer to be true." I represent LEAP (Law Enforcement against Prohibition), and can be contacted through www.leap.cc. Tony Smith, Langley - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake