Pubdate: Sun, 8 Sep 2002 Source: Honolulu Advertiser (HI) Contact: 2002 The Honolulu Advertiser, a division of Gannett Co. Inc. Website: http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/195 Author: Joseph Uno Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture) Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1582/a02.html Note: For more about ice, medical marijuana and marijuana eradication in Hawaii go to http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Hawaii FEDERAL PROGRAMS CREATING A MONSTER I am glad to see that Sen . Dan Inouye has joined in the local fight against the growing problem of crystal methamphetamine. His commentary in the Aug. 25 Focus section points out many of the dangers and problems associated with this terrible scourge. However, I believe that a basic point has been missed. The efficacy of the Green Harvest and Federal Property Forfeiture programs have caused a market condition where the more dangerous crystal meth is cheap and readily available. This must be part of the public policy debate on the subject. In no way should this be construed as an advocacy of the use of marijuana, just a voice calling for a look at the problem from outside the box given the heinous nature of crystal meth and the limited resources we bring to bear. Joseph Uno Kailua - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk