Pubdate: Mon, 05 Feb 2007 Source: Wichita Eagle (KS) Copyright: 2007 The Wichita Eagle Contact: http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/editorial/4664538.htm Website: http://www.wichitaeagle.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/680 Author: C.A. Riley BAN ON DRUG GEAR IS A WASTE OF TIME Regarding "Morrison backs ban on drug paraphernalia" (Feb. 1 Eagle): Why throw more public resources into a useless effort? The ban proposed by the Wichita NAACP and supported by Attorney General Paul Morrison would not only be very costly but completely ineffective. As almost any middle school student knows, countless everyday items can be utilized as drug paraphernalia. Are we going to outlaw toilet tissue and canned beverages, for instance? The paper tube from a roll of toilet tissue and an empty beverage can are but two common items that can easily be modified to serve as pipes for the smoking of a variety of drugs. If a person wants to use illicit drugs, that person will find a way. The lack of conventional paraphernalia is no deterrent to the determined drug abuser. For the sake of all Kansans, please let our legislators concentrate on more meaningful issues. C.A. Riley, Wichita - --- MAP posted-by: Derek