LESSONS VIA METH MOVIE

FIGHTING DRUGS HAS NOT been something at which the nation has
excelled. Not only do marijuana, heroin and all forms of cocaine
remain difficult-to-combat issues, but methamphetamine has added
exponentially to the problems.

In fact, the methamphetamine problem is bigger than most drug
problems. It affects so many more people than the users, particularly
because it poisons the environment as well as the users.

It's different than most drug problems. As a manufactured drug, its
highs are higher and its addictive power broader and more intense, at
least for most people. And sadly, it's an intensely California problem.

The Justice Department says the Central Valley is a primary
distribution point for the nation's supply.

Therefore, it is encouraging to see authorities try new methods to
fight the problem.

In Merced County, officials recognized the meth industry taking
advantage of Mexican immigrants and are making an effort to educate
the immigrants about the drug and its hazards. And they are doing it
in a way more likely to connect with recent Mexican immigrants.

Using the popular Latino novela format, they've created a docudrama
film in Spanish with a pumping nortena soundtrack and a fast-paced
story.

It's accompanied by a photo book, with the serial storyline, which
actually was the very popular forerunner of the film.

The movie is free Friday evening entertainment presented by local
authorities in areas with high Latino populations.

It tells of the dangers of making meth and living with it through one
family. It ends tragically, with a young daughter dead from chemical
exposure.

Authorities believe it will make a difference, particularly with the
younger generation. They've seen the youngsters entranced and moved to
tears by the story.

But the story gives older people the information they need as well,
information to avoid being used by drug lords, to avoid endangering
themselves, their families and their communities.

There's little proof yet of a big change, but police from Tennessee to
Texas are eager to try it. Good for them.

We applaud the Merced County Sheriff's officials who took this idea
and ran with it. Keep the ideas coming. It will take ingenuity as well
as force to fight this demon.