Pubdate: Fri, 08 Apr 2005 Source: Seattle Post-Intelligencer (WA) Copyright: 2005 Seattle Post-Intelligencer Contact: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/408 Author: David Joseph Burdick Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) THERE ARE SMARTER WAYS TO DEAL WITH METH ABUSE I'm calling "Captain Obvious" on Sen. Maria Cantwell's proposed study to find the link between meth use and ID theft. ("Bill would study meth, ID theft link," March 29). It's not rocket science. Dysfunctional meth abusers need money to support their habit so they steal IDs to get the money. Duh! Instead, I propose two other bills. First we make a bill funding programs that raise awareness of ID theft and teaching people how to avoid having their ID stolen. We could explain that leaving your checkbook, Social Security card and uncashed checks in the car is a bad idea. The other bill would increase funding of drug abuse prevention programs and include funding for more rehabilitation of dysfunctional addicts. Taking this money from drug law enforcement agencies would be a step in the right direction for a better national drug control policy. I think of Cantwell's proposed bill as another example of government waste, something this country cannot afford as we continue to spread our resources thin to police the world in our attempt to spread democracy. DAVID JOSEPH BURDICK Aberdeen - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D