BLACKMAIL NOT NECESSARILY A BAD THING ON DRUG POLICY

David Maas ( May 21 letter, "Tulia blackmail sets bad precedent" ) is correct that the actions of the drug task force which oversaw the controversial Tulia cases in 1999 are going to cost taxpayers across the Panhandle huge amounts.  He also is correct that a precedent has been set - future arrestees may seek legal counsel to investigate the actions of law enforcement involved in their own cases.

However he is incorrect that this is a "bad" precedent.

In fact, this sounds like a great precedent to me.  Perhaps now the future actions and tactics employed by police in not only Northwest Texas, but also nationwide, more likely will respect proper legal and constitutional protocol.

Only in this way can we have better assurance as taxpayers that the people we place into prison cages for lengthy sentences at huge taxpayer expense truly deserve to be there.

Additionally, police who show more respect for the law increase the deserved respect they receive from the public at large.  That sounds like a winner for all sides, and after some short-term financial pain, Texas Panhandle citizens will be rewarded with a long-term gain via more improved and honest law enforcement that better protects the public.

STEPHEN HEATH

Clearwater, Fla