Drug War Rhetoric

* Colombian President Andres Pastrana’s April 16 commentary, “Despite the Media, the Drug War May Have a Happy Ending,” gives absolutely no indications as to why a more optimistic attitude is warranted regarding the situation in Colombia.

He is certain that the efforts by the U.S. to stop the drug flow will have a “positive and lasting effect,” though this supply-side approach has never worked in the history of the world. Our planet is too ecologically diverse and fertile to make the eradication of crops feasible.

The U.S.-funded Plan Colombia, which Pastrana endorses, will result in more poverty, more violence, more refugees and (at best) a change of venue for the growing of illicit crops. It hopes to solve a political and social problem by military force.

The only “happy ending” in Colombia will be reserved for the Colombian military and U.S. arms manufacturers looking for new markets. The resulting escalation of violence will do little for Colombian citizens caught in the cross hairs of the terrible policies of these two countries.

GABE THOMPSON

Redlands

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* As one who spent three decades in anti-narcotics law enforcement work for local and federal law enforcement, it was enlightening to see the truth finally printed. President Pastrana chronicles the personal experiences that he and the citizens of his beloved Colombia have undergone.

This sheds new illumination on the Arianna Huffingtons and other Hollywood impressionists and their view that “Traffic” and other films regarding the drug crisis should construct the drug policies of America. Treatment is necessary, and this country should take a step forward in that area, though if we abandon our drug war efforts, we have the war that Pastrana gives personal credence to.

STANFORD NELSON

Redondo Beach