Pubdate: Mon, 15 Dec 2003
Source: Charlotte Observer (NC)
Copyright: 2003 The Charlotte Observer
Contact:  http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/78
Author: Mett Ausley Jr., MD

WILL HARSH PENALTIES STOP METH LAB ACTIVITY?

In response to "Officials push for tougher drug laws" (Dec. 
5):Methamphetamine's addictiveness and harm are proven, and the danger to 
children exposed to amateur "meth labs" is unquestionable. Attorney General 
Roy Cooper proposes tougher punishments. Do harsher penalties really reduce 
overall public harm from this drug?

Meth labs' decades-long transcontinental march against vigorous enforcement 
provides a wealth of data and experience to guide policy. Let's better 
deploy our finite resources than ritualistically feeding a bloated criminal 
justice apparatus.

A cursory look shows meth lab activity in Oklahoma and Alabama unabated 
despite harsh anti-drug measures contributing to overloaded prisons and 
fiscal peril. We should expect Mr. Cooper to cogently explain why his plan 
will succeed this time.

Mett Ausley Jr., MD

Lake Waccamaw
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman