Pubdate: Fri, 23 Feb 2007
Source: Reno Gazette-Journal (NV)
Copyright: 2007 Reno Gazette-Journal
Contact: http://www.rgj.com/helpdesk/news/letter-to-editor.php
Website: http://www.rgj.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/363
Author: Jacqueline Simonds
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

STOP CRIMINALIZING LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS

Why are we punishing law-abiding citizens in an attempt to curb 
mom-and-pop meth labs? How many people are making meth versus how 
many who only want to relieve their allergy symptoms? [Requiring a 
prescription to buy pseudoephedrine] is a draconian measure that 
inconveniences the public to no point that I can see.

Yes, meth is a dreadful drug. But like all addictive substances, its 
users are perfectly aware it's not going to do their health any good 
and they do it anyway. Not once, in the history of our country, have 
any attempts to curb illegal drugs use or manufacture ever worked -- 
from meth labs to Prohibition booze. Marijuana is now one of the top 
cash crops in this country (just think of all the taxes we could be 
raking in on that!). Are we going to start locking up fertilizer and 
hydroponic grow lights?

Stop criminalizing law-abiding citizens. Either make laws that work 
or do something else that targets the meth labs directly. Perhaps we 
should consider making illegal drugs legal and tax the heck out of 
them. It's worked for guns -- a sure-fire (pun intended) killer -- 
but at least states get revenue from the sale and most guns and gun 
users are registered.

Jacqueline Simonds

Reno
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