A recent letter writer would fail all tests for reality with his contention that the big, bad Colombians created the demand for their drugs by their "aggressive marketing." I can't remember the last advertisement I've seen for cocaine or heroin.

Cocaine became popular well in advance of any cartels. In the early '70s, it was mostly small, independent smugglers and loose-knit organizations, which responded to the demand. Much of the demand was from our so-called "pillars" of the community: lawyers, politicians, professionals, etc., who fell in love with the power high from this supposedly "non-addictive" drug. Then came crack, which is pretty much a home-manufactured product.

If we get rid of the Colombians, the only question is, "Who'll step up to take over filling the huge demand?" The demand will remain and someone will satisfy it.

JAMES SANDEL, Delray Beach

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