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
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D