Pubdate: Mon, 29 Mar 2004 Source: Watauga Democrat (NC) Copyright: 2004 Appalachian Technologies, Inc. Contact: http://www.wataugademocrat.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2322 Author: Shellie Smith Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n386/a02.html RUSS WAS WRONG ON METH Editor: This letter is in response to Mr. Russ' ideas (in a recent letter) that our civilized society should just legalize methamphetamine. I wonder if he has ever seen a true meth addict? Does he realize that people will sacrifice everything from their families and jobs right down their very teeth that fall out because of this evil that should be "legalized?" Sure, that would all just disappear if meth were to be made legal, right? Has he had to dress out in special clothes and go in a meth lab like our local police officers and firefighters (one of which is my husband) just so the toxic chemicals used to make this drug doesn't make them sick from simply from being exposed to it? I wondered while reading Mr. Russ' opinions on the matter if he actually has children. If so would he want them to just be able to waltz in someplace and show an ID and buy this stuff? I have two beautiful daughters, one of whom goes to Watauga High School. I worry enough about the things that are available to our teenagers today without making it easier to get. I personally think the very idea of such a thing is just absurd. Lets hope that ideas such as these are just localized in Baton Rouge. Our community has enough problems. Shellie Smith - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin