Pubdate: Thur, 14 Oct 1999 Source: New York Times (NY) Copyright: 1999 The New York Times Company Contact: http://www.nytimes.com/ Forum: http://www10.nytimes.com/comment/ Author: John P. Tiernan NO CASH FOR COLOMBIA To the Editor: Re "Now, State of Siege, Colombian Style" (Week in Review, Oct. 10): I don't want my tax money or our troops sent to Colombia. Whatever objectives our Administration asserts, our gifts will result in arming a country that is out of control, at greater danger and expense to us later. If our President feels that we need to help Colombia, I can see only two ways: Instead of cash, send them agricultural supplies from great American companies like John Deere and Caterpillar and live breeding stock to encourage poultry, pork and beef production so that they can satisfy their hunger without resorting to violence, and send well-drilling equipment to let them have clean water supplies. Also, legalize drugs through American pharmacists with physicians' prescriptions and end the whole basis for the unrest, killing and wasteful spending on interdiction and prosecution. JOHN P. TIERNAN Bedford, NY - --- MAP posted-by: manemez j lovitto