OUR VIEW: 'METH' NEEDS LEGISLATORS' FULL ATTENTION

And so it grows. We continue to be concerned with the growing threat of
methamphetamine. And, now it is reported the drug's destruction of families
in Tennessee is on the rise as the state predicts it will take about 750
children from parents involved with "meth" this year.

That translates to about 150 more meth-related child removals this year
than in 2003.

Due to all of the media coverage surrounding meth, most probably know
methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant cooked from a recipe that
includes toxic household and workplace products and cold tablets that
contain ephedrine and pseudoephedrine.

The clandestine labs - sometimes set up in kitchens - are potentially
explosive and produce sickening vapors.

With well over 1,000 meth labs cleaned up in Tennessee last year alone, the
Volunteer State now has the dubious honor of being home to three-quarters
of the meth labs in the entire Southeast.

Several state legislators lamented the General Assembly's inability to do
more to combat the growing methamphetamine problem during its last session.

Citing other major issues needing to be addressed, the "meth problem" took
a backseat to other legislative considerations.

However, with the latest information on meth's attack on our state's family
units, the upcoming year should be the year legislators move this issue to
the front burner and keep it there until some relevant solutions are found.

A task force appointed by the governor has recommended limiting the
availability of products used to make the drug, tougher penalties and
expanded treatment for addicts.

The governor is expected to push these measures in the General Assembly and
we support his efforts.

All of these measures - and others - need to be implemented if we are to
get a handle on this growing state problem.