THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, March 5, 1996 TAG: 9603050007
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 30 lines
Slave trading is still alive and well and tolerated in America. No less sinister than slave traders of centuries past, these modern merchants of bondage come in all colors and in all levels of social status. Some people still think nothing of selling others into slavery.
The next time someone tries to put drugs in a positive light, why not remind them that the sale of cocaine, heroin and speed have enslaved countless valuable lives in a living hell. Marijuana and other ``nonaddictive'' drugs have served their purpose well as a gateway of deception as they subtly dismantle healthy standards.
If members of a community are able to work together and shut down the slave trade, then we may all be able to think a lot clearer on other pressing matters. The sad reality is that this will never happen if people remain fearful and as long as our courts remain playgrounds for lawyers instead of institutions for justice.
BILL COLGAN
Smithfield, Feb. 22, 1996 by CNB