Pubdate: Wed, 23 Jun 2010 Source: El Paso Times (TX) Copyright: 2010 El Paso Times Contact: http://www.elpasotimes.com/townhall/ci_14227323 Website: http://www.elpasotimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/829 Author: James Maloney BREAK THE SILENCE ON ABUSE OF DRUGS Twenty-three thousand killed in Mexico drug wars since 2006. More than 5,300 killed in Juarez since 2008. Sixteen killed in Juarez June 16. Our police force up-gunning to meet the competition across the border. Mexico's president describing the U.S. as the world's main drug consumer. When is our country going to awaken to the horror that our illicit desires have created? When is our leadership going to take action to reduce illegal drug use by our people? Why hasn't our national leadership appealed to our citizens to stop this madness? Where are Congress and the president on the "demand side" of the drug issue? The silence is deafening, and shameful. James Maloney West El Paso - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D