LAWMAKERS FAILED KIDS ON METH LEGISLATION

According to an investigation conducted by The Associated Press,
methamphetamine is devastating Tennessee families and endangering
children. The problem could have been abated if the Tennessee General
Assembly had passed legislation to regulate the sale of meth
ingredients. That means another year of meth's increasing devastation
in Tennessee.

The AP requested a count of children placed in state custody because
their parents were involved with methamphetamine. According the state,
600 such children were taken from parents since the start of 2002.
That doesn't include children taken away from parents and placed with
relatives.

That this problem exists isn't exactly a surprise. But the extent of
damage being done to children and families is increasing as the
methamphetamine phenomenon moves east through the state.

The illegal drug is relatively easy - though extremely dangerous - to
manufacture. Common ingredients such as non-prescription cold
medicine, drain cleaner and matchbook striking pads provide the raw
ingredients. Cooking them up on a home stove top creates dangerous
fumes that can contaminate everything in a home, including children's
clothes and play things. The stove top concoction can, and often does,
explode.

Then there is the problem of meth-addicted babies being born. These
unfortunate children face overwhelming odds against living normal
lives. Meth is highly addictive and can lead to paranoia,
hallucinations and even death. When children are whisked away from
meth homes, they leave with nothing because of the
contamination.

It is unconscionable for lawmakers to have failed to pass tough meth
ingredient regulation. Because of their failure, hundreds more kids
and adults lives will be ripped apart because of this dangerous
illegal drug.