Pubdate: Mon, 31 Oct 2005
Source: High Country News (CO)
Copyright: 2005 High Country News
Contact: http://www.hcn.org/lettertoeditors.jsp
Website: http://www.hcn.org/index.jsp
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3977
Note: High Country News is a bi-weekly newspaper that reports on the 
West's natural resources, public lands, and changing communities.
Author: Sam Felton

AMPHETAMINES ARE NOTHING NEW

Regarding methamphetamine use in the oil patch, this is not a new 
issue (HCN, 10/3/05: Methamphetamine fuels the West's oil and gas 
boom). "White crosses" and other stimulants were easy to obtain in 
Gillette, Wyo., in 1974, when I was working as a roughneck in the 
Powder River Basin. Drill rigs go 24-7, and graveyard was a tough 
shift. We all stayed alert using those drugs, but we were careful and 
very focused on the job - it was too dangerous not to be.

I'd also like to note that my late father, S.K. Felton, was a pilot 
and flew B-29 bombers in WW II and cargo planes in Korea. In both 
wars, pilots and crew were given amphetamines by their commanding officers.

Like all drugs, when used correctly they serve a valuable purpose. I 
don't know what it's like now, 30 years later, in the oil patch, but 
in the mid-'70s, most everyone used, but no one abused on the job.

Sam Felton

Tucson, Arizona
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman