Ignacio Madera, Jr. (File photo: RGG/Steve Taylor)

EAGLE PASS, Sept. 5 - This is an open letter, written from the border, to our political leaders.

I believe it is time that you stand up to the mischaracterization of the security of our border region and our neighbors to the south on the drug crime interdiction and the concern of its impact on the United States.

I believe it is time you encourage Congress and the president to address the real problem; rampant drug use by those that can afford it in the U.S. After all it is simply a mater of economics in a free enterprise. As long as there is a demand for drugs (by users) a supply will be made available (by drug cartels). When you stop the demand for these drugs, there will no longer be a need for suppliers to produce a product that is not wanted.

It is in the interest of Americans and their children and grandchildren to be taught the dangers of drug use. Only then will we be able to stop these drugs from coming here. I see all but positive results from these actions:

(1)  We will save hundreds of our children from falling prey to drug use and addiction and a potential life of crime;

(2)  We will be able to save millions of tax payer dollars in having to build prisons to keep drug users;

(3)  There will be a reduction in health care costs to treat addicts;

(4)  There will not be a need to build a wall to stem the flow of drugs; that will cease to be when demand is stopped;

(5)  There will not be a need to send more troops to the border, so that they may do other more productive things, like participating in Operation Lone Star.

This two-week event is a joint project of the state health and human services agencies, Texas State Guard, Army and Air National Guard, county health departments, local service groups and civilian volunteers. Operation Lone Star covers seven counties and is the largest humanitarian effort of its kind in the United States.

“People turn out for free medical services, and are informed about state programs that can provide year-round access to health care. State health and human services workers provide information about health and wellness programs to prevent substance abuse, help people with disabilities and protect vulnerable children and adults. Local nonprofit organizations also have staff available to provide information about their services.

Operation Lone Star also serves as a way for state and local officials to train for a medical emergency. Setting up the two-week, multi-site clinics becomes a real-time exercise on how to respond to a public health crisis.

6)  There will not be a need to make our border region a true war zone pitting our troops with the drug cartels and the potential deaths of hundreds of Texans.

I look forward to discussing my thoughts with our political leaders or their staff, if they deem it appropriate. 

Ignacio Madera, Jr., works in local government assisting people with disabilities. He lives in Eagle Pass, Texas. 

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