HANDOUT IS TOO MUCH

Congratulations to U.S. Rep. Brian Baird for his sponsorship of the
Meth Mouth Correctional Costs and Re-entry Support Act, which is
designed to "help prisons and jails pay to repair the devastating
effects of long-term methamphetamine abuse on inmates' teeth and
gums," reported in a July 27 story, "Baird bill would treat 'meth
mouth.' " Meth use reduces the production of saliva, which naturally
washes away bacteria and creates acid conditions in the mouth that
can result in "rampant decay."

I, too, have a similar problem, only my loss of saliva is the result
of chemo and radiation therapy for cancer. Unlike Baird's precious
meth addicts, my drugs were not recreational, and were not something
I would have chosen to take of my own free will. My question is, can
I get free dental care under Baird's bill? I am willing to tell
everyone that my dental problems are the result of a meth problem, if
that will help.

Andy Ladick

Washougal