Pubdate: Sat, 24 Aug 2002 Source: Post-Star, The (NY) Copyright: 2002 Glens Falls Newspapers Inc. Section: Opinion Page: A9 Contact: http://www.poststar.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1068 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1531/a05.html Author: Kirk Muse AMERICA'S BILLIONS MISSPENT ON DRUG WAR Editor: Thanks for publishing Kevin Zeese's outstanding letter, "The war on drugs helps criminals profit", Aug. 18. Speaking of money and the war on drugs, in 1969 the federal drug enforcement budget was $65 million. This year it's $19.2 billion, a 295-fold increase. The net result of our so-called "investment" -- anybody that wants drugs in the U.S. can still get them. Just as easily as in 1969. KIRK MUSE, Mesa, Ariz. - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl