Pubdate: Wed, 29 Dec 2004
Source: Muskogee Daily Phoenix (OK)
Copyright: C2004 Muskogee Daily Phoenix
Contact: http://www.muskogeephoenix.com/customerservice/contactus.html
Website: http://www.muskogeephoenix.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3319
Author: Peter Vanderkloot
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

DEMON DRUG OFTEN USED LEGALLY

The Dec. 16 writer's concerns regarding the consequences of "legalizing" 
methamphetamine are certainly understandable; however, it should be pointed 
out that methamphetamine is "already" legal. It is routinely prescribed 
under trade names such as Desoxyn by physicians for a number of medical 
conditions. Many productive members of society take this drug every day 
without suffering serious consequences. President John F. Kennedy, who was 
given regular injections of methamphetamine while he was in the White 
House, is but one of the more well-known examples.

I mention this to point out that while there are very real dangers 
associated with inappropriate use and abuse of this drug, alarmist claims 
and reporting on this subject do not serve to improve the situation. 
Amphetamines have been used and abused in this country for 70 years and 
like most drugs and medications have both benefited and harmed society. Let 
us not fall prey to a hysterical sense that we are facing a "new demon 
drug" when in fact the realities are far more complex.

Peter Vanderkloot

New York, N.Y.
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