National Conference of Viet Nam Veteran Ministers



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Use of Military to Suppress Drug Traffic in Colombia

A Peace and Justice Statement
1999





The National Conference of Viet Nam Veteran Ministers, meeting in Seattle, WA, and after prayerful reflection, issued the following statement:

We note with growing concern the conflicting statements and activities of our government and its representatives with regard to the unrest in the nation of Colombia. While some are saying that we must assist the Colombia in its attempts to suppress the drug traffickers, others are saying the assistance sounds too much like a military adventure.

Out of our own experience of war we know that the rigors of combat, the displacement from home and hours of boredom inherent in military activities, often lead to the increased use of addictive substances. It would seem that to use our military to combat what is perceived as the social evil of addictive substances is a policy full of frustration and doomed to failure.

We would suggest that it is time for a new strategy, which treats all addictive substances in the same manner. As tobacco and alcohol, two of the most addictive substances which are heavily used in the military, are legal substances and commodities controlled by strict regulations and taxes, so treat all other addictive substances from marijuana to heroin.

As part of this new strategy we suggest a health policy which would let the users of addictive substances bear the full risk of such activity.

The funds now devoted to purchasing the cooperation of other countries could be better spent in educating our young people about the risks and responsibilities that come with using any addictive substance.

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©1999-2004 National Conference of Viet Nam Veteran Ministers, now serving veterans as the International Conference of War Veteran Ministers. All Rights Reserved. The National Conference of Viet Nam Veteran Ministers is a registered trademark. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. NCVNVM is funded by membership dues, donations, and major grants from organizations believing in our work. Contact information for officers and webmaster on separate page. This page last updated October 20, 2004