Pubdate: Wed, 31 Aug 2005 Source: Nanton News (CN AB) Copyright: 2005 Nanton News Contact: http://www.nantonnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3200 Author: Ian Watson TAKING METH SERIOUSLY In recent weeks we have heard much of the deadly addictive effect of the drug known as crystal meth. The federal government actually went as far as to increase the maximum penalty for manufacturing, trafficking and distribution of this wickedly addictive poison. That said, shortly afterwards, a senior judge in Calgary was interviewed on TV and he stated that he doubted if anyone would receive the recommended penalty of life imprisonment because of certain restrictions created by Canada's Human Rights legislation and other laws on the books. He suggested that the electorate prevail upon their members of parliament to ensure the necessary changes to the Human Rights Act be made. Personally I would rather see the minimum sentence increased to 10 years with no opportunity for early parole. For those who are not aware of the properties of Crystal Meth, it produces an instant high which makes the desire for more when the user comes down from the clouds, with the result that we are now witnessing crack cocaine being spiked with crystal meth creating an even deadlier result on the addict. Children as young as ten and twelve years of age are being targeted. The authorities inform us that once a person is hooked on this drug their life expectancy is a miserable seven years with violence and crime associated with it to feed the habit. I regard this as a much more serious matter than alcohol, regardless of the opinions of others. Ian Watson, Nanton - --- MAP posted-by: Josh