FIGHTING METH

In Our View

Since the wave of methamphetamine manufacture and use appears to be
cresting - thanks to prosecution, tougher laws and education - perhaps
putting a couple more sharp teeth into Missouri's statute books will finish
off this insidious threat to the health and well-being of addicts, makers
and the general public. Sen. Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, has filed
bills that would stiffen the penalties for those who cook up the unholy
concoction of anti-freeze, cough medicine, anhydrous ammonia and whatever
else for sale on the street.

One bill would would make conviction for theft of bulk amounts of anhydrous
ammonia a Class A felony. Punishment would be assessed from 10 to 30 years
to life behind bars.

The second would make possession of anhydrous ammonia in an unapproved
container a Class D felony.

Both bills could prove significant weapons in the war on meth, especially
in view of inroads being made by prosecutors in putting away some of the
meth makers or driving them out of the state. Legislative approval ought to
come quickly in the new session.

Methamphetamine simply ought to be considered even by users as too
dangerous. Everyone from the individual who cooks it to law enforcement
personnel raiding clandestine labs to innocent people living nearby are put
in jeopardy. It not only can ruin the lives of those who use it, but making
meth produces gases and chemical residues that are highly toxic and
extremely volatile. Explosions can destroy houses, garages and basements.

Young people are beginning to catch on to the fact that their lives and the
lives of others are being put into jeopardy by those who see them solely as
dollar signs.

The bottom line is that using meth is like playing Russian roulette with
several chambers of the revolver loaded. Eventually, you lose.

Kinder's bills would increase the risk of harsh punishment for those who
manufacture meth and help send them packing or to prison.