EFFECTS OF DRUG USE EVERYWHERE IN THE NEWS

The inside page of the Local/State section of the Journal Star has become
the amphetamine update.

We can learn about the alarming increase in methamphetamine use and
manufacturing in Tazewell County. We are told that the drug is highly
addictive, causes paranoid and irrational overreaction, and induces violent
behavior. Methamphetamine is called by its street names of speed, crank,
crystal. It is a particularly addictive drug with highly anti-social side
effects.

We can also follow the court case of the Illinois National Guard pilots who
dropped bombs on Canadian troops in Afghanistan. These officers were also
taking amphetamines. The military calls amphetamines "performance-enhancing
medication" and "go pills." Pilots claim they are pressured to take the
drugs. They are given anti- depressants to counter the effects of amphetamines.

Looking at the account of what happened in Afghanistan, it appears that
these pilots were having a drug-induced paranoid overreaction and indeed
that is their defense. They saw fire on the ground, none of it directed
against them and violated procedure unloading bombs on Canadian troops -
paranoid, violent overreaction.

Drug addiction, violence pervades every strata of American society. We
really need to pull back and look at ourselves.

Burt Raabe

Peoria