This is a quick post in hopes that some fellow San Diegans will help me send a message to the San Diego Union Tribune. Today they published an article by a San Diego FBI Agent which seems to be rallying folks for the drug war. Obviously there is nothing wrong with publishing any opinions in the paper, but when they publish pro-drug war stances I hope that San Diegan’s can rally back and tell them that the War on Drugs is not the answer.
Also, something about government officials being directly published in the paper seems wrong to me. The media is supposed to keep government in check, not give them an additional voice, but thats a separate issue.
So, I would love it if anyone who agrees that the war on drugs is the wrong solution would please write a letter to the editor and tell them so.
The article they published can be read here.
If you write (please do), send an email to letters@uniontrib.com and include your name, address, and phone number. Below is the letter I sent. Use it as an example if you like. Keep letters short to increase your shot at getting published.
Thats all I have for today. Enjoy the game and Go Chargers!
I am deeply concerned with FBI agent Keith Slotter calling for the “Next big push on drugs.” What exactly does he have in mind? He accurately notes that high school drug use is declining and that the key to this issue is reducing demand. He fails to mention that tobacco use across the nation is also declining, and that we accomplished this without contributing to the 15,000 people that have been killed in Mexico since 2006 in drug war related violence. The blood of those being killed just miles away from San Diego is on our hands. This problem will not be solved by stepping up the war on drugs. Instead, lets approach the issue like we approach tobacco, with a system of regulation and education. We can solve our drug problem without killing thousands and incarcerating millions. Andrew P. Groff Address Phone #