Pubdate: Sat, 22 Jan 2005 Source: Eau Claire Leader-Telegram (WI) Copyright: 2005 Eau Claire Press Contact: http://www.leadertelegram.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/236 Author: Randy Vizyak METH LATEST SCARE TACTIC The Jan 14 editorial, "Time to nip meth problem in the bud," stated we need more legislation enacted to fight methamphatamine use. Before we pass more laws and spend more money, let's look at some facts. Amphetamines were legal over the counter without a prescription until 1954. The Apollo 13 astronauts were ordered to take amphetamines during their mission. The military used to give amphetamines to air crews to help them fight fatigue. Truckers would take them on long hauls. So let's not exaggerate the dangers of amphetamines. People are currently forced into treatment, not because they're addicted, but because of the drug's current legal status. Therefore, drug treatment centers stand to profit from expanding the drug war. I'm not saying amphetamines are a benign substance. I'm saying let's put aside the boogie man stories and look at this situation logically before we rush into expanding police power beyond a reasonable limit and have the state Legislature spend money it doesn't have. RANDY VIZYAK - --- MAP posted-by: SHeath(DPFFLorida)