AUDREY'S MISSILES A weekly newsletter dedicated to the peaceful reform of the United States government. COLOMBIAN QUAGMIRE A great deal of publicity has been given to the fact that the United Nations has kicked the United States off the Human Rights Commission. The U.S. Congress, like a spoiled child, is voting to withhold funds. But the most interesting part of the story, one that has received very little publicity, is the fact that the United States was also voted off the UN International Drug Control Board. The United States, the world's largest consumer of illicit drugs, has failed to take elementary measures to stop the flow of illegal drugs into this country. We have failed to legalize hard drugs, failed to control the purchase of chemicals needed in their manufacture, and failed to close the Mexican border. Even the Supreme Court is suspect. A recent decision will effectively keep even Marijuana from easing the suffering of dying patients! Why shouldn't they vote us out? Supply fuels demand. With our open Mexican border enough illegal drugs (most say about 70%) come easily into this country, and the money thus drained from users has financed the international criminal organizations that have control of distribution, giving them the funds to bribe and threaten their way into markets around the world. We won't do what is effective, so we pursue a drug war in South America, a war which has only aggravated and enlarged the problem. How can it be justified when we have that open border? Are the politicians afraid to close it? The Southeast Asian countries have the death penalty for drug dealers; why has the U.S. Congress failed to stiffen penalties? What part are we playing in the deteriorating situation in Colombia and its neighbors? The United States, through hired individuals and organizations, is deeply involved in the war in Colombia, and President Bush has announced plans to widen the effort to include neighboring countries. What effect is it having? These are some very recent headlines: "BOGOTA, Colombia (Reuters) - At least 19 leftist rebels and two soldiers were killed in combat in three different parts of Colombia on Saturday, and a small town mayor was murdered, the police and army said. BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) -- Two people were killed in Colombia's capital Friday when suspected right-wing paramilitary gunmen attacked a union leader who had been facilitating peace talks between the government and leftist rebels." U.S. made helicopters are well into the program of spraying crops, and even food crops have been destroyed .in some areas. In spite of the massive effort there is as yet no evidence that it is having the desired effect: "SAN DIEGO -Officials announced a record seizure of cocaine Monday and said the haul--13 tons in a trawler crewed by Spanish-speaking Russian and Ukrainian sailors.... is the largest in the history of the world." Some reports say that as fast as the crops are sprayed they are planted elsewhere. The situation is murky, but there is very little doubt that the problem is spreading and getting worse. The United States deserves to be voted off the UN International Drug Control Board. After all, we opened the door for drugs when NAFTA took effect. "Without a doubt, drug trafficking is the most dangerous aspect of globalization. The United States, as the major consumer of drugs and, quite likely, where most drug-trafficking profits are invested [the reason the US stock market has not taken a nose dive?], must take the lead in forging cooperation between all the countries that are involved in or affected by this scourge." So concluded a writer in a South Carolina newspaper last year. Yes, we have taken the lead. We are continuing Clinton's policy of helping to spread and intensify the illegal drug problem. http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00.n1725.a01.html http://www.onlineathens.com/community/forums.shtml http://news.lycos.com/news/story.asp?section=World&pitem=INTERNATIONAL-COLOMBIA-http://www.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/americas/03/12/us.colombia/ http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/20010513/t000040353.html http://www.cnn.com/2001/US/05/10/us.un.big.picture.relations/ READ THIS NEWSLETTER AND THEN GIVE IT TO A FRIEND. No copyright on the content of AUDREY'S MISSILES is claimed since it is our hope that the information in this newsletter will be copied and distributed widely. Topics covered are those which are not adequately treated on TV or in the press. If you live in the 209 calling area end a request to 209 847-7588 for a free fax subscription. E-mail is free anywhere. Paid subscriptions are not accepted. 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