BAN ON INFO WON'T STOP ILLICIT DRUG USE

I was outraged when I heard of the bill Dianne Feinstein and Orrin
Hatch (although backed by dozens of senators, these two are leading
the pack) have started to put into action for our nation. It's called
the Methamphetamine Anti-Proliferation Act.

This bill seeks to eliminate information to the public pertaining to
any controlled substance. While this includes drugs such as marijuana,
it also includes hemp. Since hemp cultivation remains a federal
felony, books on how to grow and process hemp would also be banned.
The penalty for violating this info-ban is up to 10 years'
imprisonment and a hefty fine. Given that Sen. Hatch passed two
anti-methamphetamine bills in 2000, there is no reason to believe he
cannot pass this one as well.

Prohibiting information for safe use of controlled substances could
result in even more deaths. People aren't going to stop using drugs
(it would seem this is what Hatch and Feinstein are trying to do)
simply because they can't find information about what they are taking.

By no means am I advocating the use of drugs, but when everybody's
First Amendment right is being violated, something has to be done. Our
Constitution is printed on hemp. Will that be illegal? Likewise the
hemp bag I wear every day to school, or the necklaces and bracelets I
also wear daily?

Outraged by this? Please send a letter or e-mail to the media,
alerting them to this bill and its negative repercussions. Also,
contact your representatives and urge them to oppose this bill.

COURTNEY HEATH

Concord