DRUG TERRORISTS

Your editorial on the discovery of a second methamphetamine lab in Hawkins
County alerts the public to what I consider to be the real terrorist threat
to our country. Yes, I am concerned about the international terrorist
activity that is constantly in the news, but the terrorists who are
peddling methamphetamine to our children are already here.

I watched an interview recently on TV where a reformed meth addict and a
medical doctor were interviewed about the rapid spreading of meth labs in
rural America. It really got my attention. The doctor said that the potency
of the methamphetamine that can be produced in these homes is alarmingly
high. The reformed addict was an attractive young lady who told of the
horror she experienced while coming down from a high on meth. She said that
the depth of despair was unbelievable. The medical doctor explained that
the more potent meth will give a tremendous high, but on the way down it
takes the user to an equally low depth of despair. You could see the tears
in the young women's eyes as the doctor explained the horrors of
methamphetamine.

I liked your suggested ways for the public to recognize the possibility of
a meth lab in their community. As never before, we need to become "nosy
neighbors" to combat this terror that has come to our communities. I wonder
if there is any effort being made in our schools, churches, etc. to alert
our children of the potential danger.

Wayne Case

Kingsport