Pubdate: Fri, 22 Jun 2001 Source: Texas Observer (TX) Copyright: 2001 The Texas Observer Contact: http://www.texasobserver.org/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/748 Author: Georgia Shawver Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) EXPLODING METH/EXPLODING MYTHS I just wanted to say how great it is to know that there are people taking notice of the drug problems in rural America. ("Every Man a Kingpin," May 11). I am a native of Megargel, about 15 miles south of Archer City. My brother has been a meth user and cook for the past four years; he is 23 years old. We grew up on a ranch in a very comfortable home and the pressures and dangers of the outside world never seemed to come near us. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case. Even worse, many of the older generation are just now realizing that drugs are infiltrating their environment. They have been in denial, and are totally unequipped to deal with the problem they face. My brother has been averaging a stint in county jail about once a month for the past year and a half. He's been in on everything from grand theft auto, back child support, assault, possession of narcotics, and attempt to sell. Why doesn't he stay in jail? Minimal bail, overcrowded jails, delayed court dates, and minimal fines for his offenses that his "friends" take care of. This is the true problem, weakness and inconsistencies in our judicial system (95 year sentencing!!). There are so many myths surrounding addicts and drug use. Until people get the facts about drugs and who becomes addicted and what an addict is really like, we are going to continue to lose those dear to us. Drug abuse is not a disease, it is a character weakness and it is a choice. We, the community, have to be there to show people the error of their ways, and help them make different choices. Georgia Shawver via e-mail - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager