THERE ARE SMARTER WAYS TO DEAL WITH METH ABUSE

I'm calling "Captain Obvious" on Sen. Maria Cantwell's proposed study to
find the link between meth use and ID theft. ("Bill would study meth, ID
theft link," March 29). It's not rocket science. Dysfunctional meth abusers
need money to support their habit so they steal IDs to get the money. Duh!

Instead, I propose two other bills. First we make a bill funding programs
that raise awareness of ID theft and teaching people how to avoid having
their ID stolen. We could explain that leaving your checkbook, Social
Security card and uncashed checks in the car is a bad idea.

The other bill would increase funding of drug abuse prevention programs and
include funding for more rehabilitation of dysfunctional addicts. Taking
this money from drug law enforcement agencies would be a step in the right
direction for a better national drug control policy.

I think of Cantwell's proposed bill as another example of government waste,
something this country cannot afford as we continue to spread our resources
thin to police the world in our attempt to spread democracy.

DAVID JOSEPH BURDICK

Aberdeen