Pubdate: Wed, 03 Aug 2016
Source: Anderson Valley Advertiser (CA)
Copyright: 2016 Anderson Valley Advertiser
Contact:  http://www.theava.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2667
Author: Jay Bergstrom

NEWS TIP? LETTER? MONEY!

Editor,

Somehow I just feel that this should be printed in an American 
newspaper - the Philippine Star on July 27 reporting on the 
continuing drug war bloodbath:

MANILA, Philippines - The United States has vowed to provide the 
Philippines $32 million to support the Duterte administration's 
intensified law enforcement efforts.

Washington's support for law enforcement activities was one of the 
topics discussed by President Rodrigo Duterte and visiting US State 
Secretary John Kerry during their meeting Wednesday in Malacanan.

"The US committed $32 million in training and services," presidential 
spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a press briefing. ... Abella 
confirmed that Duterte had also briefed Kerry about his crackdown on 
drugs and crimes.

Asked if Kerry, who emphasized the need to uphold human rights in his 
previous engagements, was alarmed by the spate of killings in the 
country, Abella said: "There was no alarm that was mentioned there."

"Although, President Duterte did mention about the way he has been 
handling the war against crime and especially the narcotic plague," he added.

Pressed on what the US state secretary said about Duterte's 
anti-crime and drug campaign, Abella replied: "He was listening very intently."

A total of 239 drug suspects were killed in law enforcement 
operations as of July 22, data from the Philippine National Police 
showed. More than 120,000 drug pushers and users, meanwhile, have 
turned themselves over to authorities.

Human rights advocates are worried that the government's crackdown on 
illegal drugs would result in extrajudicial killings and abusive practices.

In his first State of the Nation Address, Duterte said he would not 
stop the war against narcotics until the last drug personality is punished.

"There will be no let-up in this campaign. Double your efforts. 
Triple them, if need be. We will not stop until the last drug lord, 
the last financier and the last pusher have surrendered or put behind 
bars or below the ground if they so wish," the president said.

"To our police officers and other officials, do your job and you will 
have the unwavering support of the Office of the President. I will be 
with you all the way. Abuse your authority and there will be hell to 
pay," he added.

* * *

So, I guess it could be worse here, a lot worse. Vigilantes there are 
dispensing "cardboard justice," where bodies just turn up with 
cardboard signs declaring "pusher." About a dozen each day and ramping up.

Look for my postal money order in the snail mail. I look forward to 
another year's enjoyment before I pike off to the dusties. The other 
papers don't hold a candle to the AVA, especially when it comes to 
getting a fire going in my cabin.

Yours & etc.

Jay Bergstrom

Forest Ranch

PS. Some years back Sheriff Allman acquired a bread oven for the 
jail. I'm curious how it has worked out, as the early signs were quite hopeful.

ED NOTE: Allman's bread-jail program has worked out well. We 
personally know several graduates who have moved into related jobs 
after release and we've tasted the bread and it is as good as 
anything you can buy in a store.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom