Pubdate: Thu, 30 Aug 2001
Source: Tacoma News Tribune (WA)
Copyright: 2001 Tacoma News Inc.
Contact:  http://www.tribnet.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/442
Author: Helen Myrick
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

SEND STRONG MESSAGE TO METH-LAB PARENTS

After reading the article, "Infant hurt in meth lab" (TNT, 8-25), I was 
filled with sadness and fury. To delay seeking medical help and allow a 
baby to suffer for over 12 hours with burns to his face and throat after 
falling into a bucket of chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine is 
unfathomable. Even less is allowing a baby near such hazards.

I work with the Greater Pierce County Community Network, a group of 
citizens who are charged by the Legislature to reduce child abuse and 
neglect. Last year our network worked with state Sen. Marilyn Rasmussen 
(D-Eatonville) in passing Senate Bill 6260, which adds a felony 
child-endangerment charge when parents or others are found to have allowed 
children in a meth lab. This new law adds a mandatory two-year prison 
sentence to sentencing for the drug charges.

It is common to have explosions and fires during the meth-cooking process, 
and children have already died in meth labs in other states and counties. 
The law is meant to be a deterrent and can only serve that purpose if it is 
used. Parents who raise their children in meth labs need to know, without a 
doubt, that they will be punished for their total lack of care for their 
children. If we have to make this a test case for our new law, then let's 
do it.

We need to send a strong and clear message that this kind of parenting will 
not be tolerated by anyone living in our beautiful community.

HELEN MYRICK; Executive director; Greater Pierce County Community Network; 
Tacoma
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager