METH LABS

Editor, Times-Union:

I read Mark Souder's self serving letter to the editor published on August
11th (Meth Epidemic). Are his thoughts sincere or just another scare tactic
used by politicians to get re-elected and get more funds for their state in
the never-ending war on drugs? He states that the "methods we used to fight
cocaine and heroin may very well not apply to meth." Is he saying we are
successful in our fight against these drugs? I think he needs to look at
the statistics! If he really wants to fight meth and other illegal drugs
and the crime associated with them with a new method, try legalization and
regulation. If those who are susceptible to drug abuse could get their drug
of choice legally and cheaply, meth labs would disappear. Crime would fall
since legally producing drugs is cheap and it is only prohibition that
makes them expensive. Police could concentrate on violent crimes. Money
saved from taxation and a reduction in the prison population could be used
for drug education and treatment. I doubt Rep. Souder has the wisdom or
guts to suggest such an approach.

Steve Helms Southlake, Texas via e-mail