Pubdate: Tue, 04 May 1999 Source: El Paso Times (TX) Copyright: 1999 El Paso Times Website: www.elpasoclassified.com Author: Mark Mainwaring, West El Paso MISPLACED BLAME It's no surprise that a JTF-6 commander would support the drug war -- it pays the rent after all -- but can a recent letter writer really believe that "the real threat" to our children "is a few miles south of here?" From a drug standpoint, try the corner convenience store. Alcohol-related crime and accidents kill many times more people than all illegal drugs combined, and beer is by far the drug of choice for our young people (and for them, an illegal drug to boot). It's time to stop blaming Mexico for our own drug problem. The war on drugs is a war on ourselves, which has already claimed many innocent victims. Given that one such victim was killed directly by JTF-6, it's especially sad that a dedicated career soldier would enthusiastically join the fray. I'll make you a deal, commander -- you keep your kids away from drugs and I'll worry about mine. Parents and community can and should do the job, not soldiers on the border. Mark Mainwaring West El Paso - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D