Pubdate: Tue, 16 Nov 1999
Source: San Jose Mercury News (CA)
Copyright: 1999 San Jose Mercury News
Contact:  750 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, CA 95190
Fax: (408) 271-3792
Website: http://www.sjmercury.com/
Author: Steve Beitler

MORE DRUG WAR MISINFORMATION?

IS it true ("Flow of cocaine underestimated," Page 1A, Nov. 14) that our 
government has grossly misjudged how much cocaine is being bought and sold?

If yes, it's the latest in a long list of examples of drug-war ineptitude 
on a scale that would doom any business in the real world.

If no, it's the latest in a long list of examples of well-timed 
misinformation designed to soften up Congress and the voters.

The timing and content of the report seem intended to bolster drug czar 
Barry McCaffrey's recent request for $1 billion in "emergency assistance" 
for Latin America. We should be extremely skeptical, as should our 
representatives in Congress.

Steve Beitler
Palo Alto

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