Published in the Asbury Park Press
4/15/01
Dear Editor:
While State Supreme Court Justice Peter Verniero should be punished for his role in the offensive practice of racial profiling, we must remember he did not initiate it. Similarly his removal from office will not end it.
Racial profiling is the offspring of our failed, unconstitutional War on Drugs. It was the inevitable by-product of the government's misguided attempt to stop the peaceful, non-violent activities of those who chose to use drugs which the government dislikes. People are not targeted for what they do, such as careless driving, but for the mere possibility they might be engaging in something the government has banned.
To be sure, it's sustained by an inherent racism. But it's encouraged as well by the economic windfall the government receives. The War on Drugs has spawned a massive bureaucracy that devours our tax dollars. Constitutional rights and individual freedom are of no concern to those who profit from this latter-day attempt at Prohibition.
The solution is to end the War on Drugs. Instead, let's go after real criminals such as those who murder, rape and maim.
Sincerely,
Pat Bontempo, Chairman
Monmouth County Libertarian Party
775-7263