Dear Editor: I would like to voice my opinion on some of the problems I am seeing in not only this county's law enforcement but others as well. Last night as he was coming home from work, my father, who has Never been arrested or convicted of a crime, and who like my mother, avidly protests the use of illegal drugs to their children, was searched for drug possession. The Johnson County Drug Task Force arrogantly looked throughout my father's vehicle, only to find ...Nothing. This was a simple case of profiling and harassment and my family was deeply offended at even being accused. [continues 262 words]
Dear Editor, I recently had a cold, went to a local pharmacy and had to purchase my Tylenol cold medicine from behind the counter. I waited for over 20 minutes for help from the pharmacy staff, then had to go outside, get my driver's license, come back in, and sign a sheet, print my name, have the staff copy my driver's license number down, before I could by the medicine. I realize that this is all for a purpose, with all the Meth Labs and such around these days. The really ironic thing though is that a couple days later, I was back at that same pharmacy to pick up some prescriptions for a friend (that were narcotics), I was not asked for any I.D, did not have to wait or sign any sheet. Nothing! I was in and out of there in about five minutes with a bag full of prescription Narcotics. [continues 81 words]
Dear Editor: There is a solution to the lab explosions, child exposure, high profits, theft, disease and guns associated with meth labs. We could centralize and regulate meth production and distribution in well-secured, quality-controlled government facilities where addicts would register before being administered a standardized dosage of pharmaceutical-grade meth, with medical supervision, without the use of dirty needles. Addicts would also receive information about the risks of meth use, along with on-the-spot access to treatment resources. This trailblazing strategy is currently being used by several nations in Europe, with a positive outcome. [continues 81 words]
Dear Editor: I'm writing about: "War on meth moves over the counter drugs behind the counter" (4-06-05). Keeping the ingredients of meth behind the counter of pharmacies is certainly a lot better solution than the previous non-solution of building more and bigger prisons. Oklahoma learned the hard way that the so-called "tough on drugs" policies don't work and they are very expensive. Mostly because of their "tough on drugs" policies, Oklahoma became the fourth highest state for incarcerations. [continues 92 words]
Last Wednesday, March 30, could mark a turning point in Tennessee's fight against meth. On that day, Governor Phil Bredesen, Lieutenant Governor John Wilder and House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh signed into law specific legislation designed to combat the manufacture and abuse of methamphetamine. The bill, authored after intense study of the meth problem by the Governor's Task Force on Methamphetamine Abuse last year, passed through the House and Senate with unanimous support. "Today represents a major milestone in the war on methamphetamine," Bredesen was quoted as saying before signing the Meth-Free Tennessee Act of 2005. "These new measures will give law enforcement more of the vital tools they need to fight this deadly drug." [continues 443 words]
Dear Editor: I'm writing about two stories by Barbara Dunn on Sept. 29th: "Fire reveals meth lab" and "More about meth." It seem to me that recreational drugs like meth are far too dangerous to be completely unregulated and controlled by criminals. Only legal products can be regulated by our government. Only legal products can be taxed by our government. And only legal products can be controlled by our government. Alcohol prohibition didn't stop people from buying and drinking alcohol. It just stopped people from buying their alcohol from legal, regulated and taxed sources. [continues 89 words]
Dear Editor: I'm writing about: "US District Judge Never Forgot His Local Upbringing" (8-25-04). I noticed that US District Judge Ronnie Greer spoke with pride about helping his Dad in planting, cutting and hanging tobacco. Even though tobacco is a legal product, it contributes to the death of about 400,000 Americans every year. About half of the users of tobacco will die prematurely as a direct result of its use. If Judge Greer had admitted to producing or selling illegal drugs, most in our society would consider him to be a "low-life scum bag." [continues 86 words]
A public meeting three months ago with representatives of the National Guard has led to the formation of ACTION (Alliance of Citizens Together Improving Our Neighborhoods), a community coalition. Representatives from almost every organization in Johnson County attended the gathering, which was organized by Jean Ann Savery. "I had no idea our coalition would be formed this quickly," said Savery. "I suppose it just proves that the people in the county are serious about helping create a better environment for ourselves and our children." [continues 392 words]
By Barbara Dunn Lt. Col. Robert W. Murphy, with the Tennessee National Guard Counter Drug Division, met with community representatives last week to discuss forming a community coalition against drugs. "I am here to share ideas and opportunities," said Murphy, "and to address issues that you have perceived to be present in your community." This was the second such meeting with National Guard representatives. Last month, two Guard officers gave a 'Meth Awareness' presentation to representatives from almost every organization in Johnson County. [continues 685 words]
The Vocational School's agriculture department recently got a boost from an unlikely source. As part of a major drug sting operation, approximately $6,000 worth of equipment used in the illegal manufacturing of marijuana plants was confiscated by the local Sheriff's Department and in turn, donated to the vocational school's innovative agricultural department, which has generated national attention with it's successful experimentation with growing plants and fish using hydroponics and aquaponics technology. "We were happy to donate this extensive equipment to the schools," said Sheriff Roger Gentry. "It will be nice to actually see it put to good use." Vocational Director Willie Hammons agrees. "Not only can these specialized classes greatly benefit from the donated equipment, it ultimately saves the taxpayers money by providing needful equipment at no cost." [end]
Dear Editor: My heart goes out to Kristen Eller as she attempts to make sense out of the senseless drug overdose death of her beloved nephew. I simply cannot imagine the depths of her despair. I commend her for speaking out to ensure a similar fate does not befall others. Unfortunately, so long as we continue to rely primarily on vigorous law enforcement to solve our drug problem, many more teenagers will meet the fate of Ms Eller's nephew. Substance abuse is a serious problem that demands serious solutions. Treating it as primarily a legal issue, rather than the public health issue, only drives the problem deeper underground. Teenagers who have a drug-abusing friend are reluctant to confide in an adult, fearing legal problems for their friend will result. All too often the results are lethal, when the friend overdoses and medical help is delayed. [continues 97 words]
Dear Editor: Mr. Muse's letter to The Tomahawk sums up the issue admirably. He didn't mention one further point: Ninety years ago, drug paranoia was largely unknown in the world. After 90 years of international lobbying and political pressure by America, it has become a global problem. The futile and bloody 'war on drugs' ravages the whole planet, and the political life is poisoned everywhere. Best regards, Giovanni Borla Milano, Italy [end]
Dear Editor: While doing research for a story on methamphetamine, I began to see a bigger pattern than just illegal drug use. I drew a circle and wrote 'meth' inside it, and then with each new area that would be impacted, I drew and labeled lines extending outward. By the time I was finished with my research, the simple drawing had taken on the aspect of a spider's web, with meth at the center. I could see how such a web could trap and entangle our economically depressed county, hurt our citizens (especially the children), and destroy the way of life we have enjoyed in our little corner of the world. [continues 655 words]
Dear Editor: Thank you for publishing Chris Buors' outstanding letter: "REPEAL ALL DRUG LAWS" (8-28-03). I'd like to add that ninety years ago all types of recreational drugs were legally available in local pharmacies for pennies per dose. Ninety years ago, the term "drug-related crime" didn't exist. Neither did drug lords or drug cartels. These were all created by our drug criminalization policies-not drugs. Ninety years ago, when all types of recreational drugs were legally available in local pharmacies for pennies per dose, we had about 1.8% of our population addicted to drugs. The same percentage we have today, according to U. S. federal Judge John Kane of Colorado. [continues 65 words]
Dear Editor: I am addressing this letter to all citizens in this area who need to be aware of the ongoing drug problem that is taking over our quaint neighborhoods. Do you know what it is like to lose someone you love to drugs? Can you fathom the idea of your son/daughter, grandson/granddaughter, niece/nephew, friend or co-worker never waking up again because they took one too many pills? Why should you? We live in small towns with friendly neighbors and breath-taking scenery. [continues 417 words]
