A MULTI-FACETED WAR ON METH

Cold remedies behind the counter and methamphetamine users behind bars make
up a prescription for success in dealing with one of Tennessee's most
alarming issues.

Tennessee lawmakers should take up the challenge of Gov. Phil Bredesen's
State of the State speech in which he outlined a comprehensive approach to
the methamphetamine problem. The $7 million proposal includes $2.95 million
recurring costs involved in incarceration.

But the package offers a pilot program to treat methamphetamine users in
Davidson County's Drug Court residential program. That is a tribute to the
program locally. Davidson County's renowned success with drug court offers
great promise on the treatment front. If the meth program proves
successful, it could be expanded across the state.

Tennessee legislators shouldn't be put off by the cost or the ambitious
approach. The state is playing catch-up on a drug that has swept
communities across Tennessee, creating public hazards and private agony.

One encouraging aspect of the proposal is that it includes both punishment
and treatment. That's a common-sense approach that should appeal to thrifty
lawmakers. Tennessee can't keep putting away criminals without at least
trying to stem the demand. The governor's proposal would spend $2.4 million
for longer sentences for those meth manufacturers who have been able to
slide by on softer punishment under current state law.

There's even a component for children. The plan proposes to combat the meth
problem with public service programs in schools and in the Child Advocacy
Centers among children who may be affected by the meth epidemic.

Putting cold remedy drugs behind counters may be the most controversial of
the issues raised. Some will argue that it is an unnecessary requirement
for drugs that are available without prescription. It's an issue that
deserves wide debate before becoming law, but methamphetamine crimes must
be approached from several angles.

Bredesen has offered a plan that does just that. The legislature shouldn't
miss the opportunity to act.