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By Root 1485 0

of information concerning the drug trade and the effects it's had in your part of the world. I had no part at all in initiating any improper activity in your country, but, yes, I did look over a lot of data. I know about the policemen who've been killed-my own father was a police officer, as you know-and the judges, and the journalists. I know that Colombia has worked harder and longer than any other country in your region to bring about a true democratic government, and I will say one more thing, sir. I am ashamed at some of the things that have been said in this city about your country. The drug problem does not begin in Colombia, or Ecuador, or Peru. The drug problem starts here, and you are as much a victim as we are-actually more so. It's American money that's poisoning your country. It is not you who hurts us. It is we who hurt you.

Ochoa had expected many things from this meeting, but not this. He set his cup down, and his peripheral vision suddenly reported that they were alone in the room. The bodyguards had withdrawn. There wasn't even an aide to take notes. This was unusual. More than that, Ryan had just admitted that the stories were true-partly true, anyway.

Mr. President, he said, in English learned at home and polished at Princeton, we have not often heard such words from your country.

You're hearing them now, sir. Two very level pairs of eyes crossed the table. I will not criticize your country unless you deserve it, and on the basis of what I know, such criticism is not deserved. Diminishing the drug trade, most of all, means attacking the demand side, and that will be a priority of this administration. We are now drafting legislation to punish those who use drugs, not merely those who sell them. When the Congress is properly reestablished, I will press hard for passage of that legislation. I also wish to establish an informal working group, composed of members of my government and yours, to discuss how we may better assist you in your part of the problem-but always with full respect for your national integrity. America has not always been a good neighbor to you. I can't change the past, but I can try to change the future. Tell me, might your President accept an invitation so that we could discuss this issue face-to-face? I want to make up for all this lunacy.

I think it likely that he would view such an invitation favorably, with due consideration for time and other duties, of course. Which meant, damned right he will!

Yes, sir, I am myself learning just how demanding such a job can be. Perhaps, Jack added with a smile, he might give me some advice.

Less than you think. Ambassador Ochoa was wondering how he'd explain this meeting to his government. Clearly, the basis of a deal was on the table. Ryan was offering what could only be seen in South America as an elaborate apology for something that would never be admitted, and whose full revelation could only damage everyone involved. And yet this was not being done for political reasons, was it?

Was it?

Your proposed legislation, Mr. President, what will you seek to accomplish?

We're studying that now. For the most part, I believe, people use drugs because it's fun-escape from reality, whatever you might want to call it-it comes down to personal amusement of one sort or another. Our data suggests that at least half of the drugs sold in the country are for recreational users rather than true addicts. I think we should make the use of drugs un-fun, by which I mean some form of punishment for any level of possession or intoxication. Obviously, we do not have the prison space for all the drug users in America, but we do have lots of streets that need sweeping. For recreational users, thirty days-for the first offense-of sweeping streets and collecting garbage in an economically disadvantaged area, wearing distinctive clothing, of course, will take much of the fun out of it. You are Catholic, I believe?

Yes, I am, as you are.

Ryan grinned. Then you know about shame. We learned it in school, didn't we? It's a starting place, that's all it is for the moment.