Gaining an advantage

Editorials

Discussion

November 28, 2011

Anonymous The Cullman Times The Cullman Times Mon Nov 28, 2011, 01:35 PM CST

News that the federal government had restored money for the disposal of toxic methamphetamine labs was welcome last week by area law enforcement officials.

Just a few months ago, feds announced that law enforcement agencies would have to fend for themselves where the cost of the cleanup was concerned. In some areas, the withdrawal of funds was accompanied by a decrease of law enforcement agencies making arrests for the manufacture of meth. While that trend didn’t hold true locally, the short-sighted move at the federal level points to the ineptitude that often comes with budget cuts at the top.

The nation is strapped for money, but logic points to the need for budget cuts to be made with more care.

Communities across the country are fed up with the soaring problems caused by meth. Citizens are rightfully demanding that law enforcement break the back of the meth trade because of the extensive damage it causes to individuals and families. The cost of incarceration and rehabilitation is staggering, which is true with most drug-related crimes.

But what would the feds have local law enforcement officials do? Ignore the problem? Leave the toxic meth labs intact?

The meth trade has become difficult to eradicate because so many of the manufacturing operations are simply individuals making enough for themselves and a small contingent of users. The products needed for making meth are relatively easy to obtain and inexpensive.

Law enforcement needs the assistance of lawmakers at the state and federal levels. Making certain products, such as pseudoephedrine, difficult to obtain has proven to reduce the drug activity.

Why is the effort at the legislative end dragging? Perhaps the lobbying efforts to keep certain products readily available without prescriptions is more powerful than the voice of the people. If that’s the case, a lot of lawmakers — at all levels of government — need to be sent packing in the next election.

Eliminating the easy access to products used to make meth would eventually cut down on the number of labs and cost of cleaning up the toxic mess left behind by these basement-dwelling manufacturers.

A lack of common sense appears to be a large part of the problem in government. That can change with a closer examination of the issue. State lawmakers should stifle the flow of products used for making meth when they reconvene in 2012, which would give Alabama an advantage in fighting the spread of meth.

Text Only

Editorials

Honoring Gov. Hunt
The political story of former Alabama Gov. Guy Hunt is fascinating for any student of the tumultuous battles between Democrats and Republicans.

May 23, 2012
Get involved in elections
The year-long election cycle is about to pick up steam again as every municipal seat throughout Cullman County is up for grabs this summer.

May 22, 2012
Wherever you go
Are you cherishing your high school or college diploma today?
Congratulations or lamentations may be in order, depending on how you view the world that awaits you.

May 21, 2012
Not ready for changes
Living in a rural area has an appeal that is cherished by some people. Others don’t understand it or simply prefer the bright lights of the city.

May 18, 2012
Grading schools, making changes
Former President George W. Bush’s ambitious “No Child Left Behind” initiative for education revealed some glaring problems in public education.

May 17, 2012
For student safety
Cullman school officials are including a plan for storm safety in the renovation of the high school, which is a wise decision.

May 15, 2012
Growing the market
News that Cullman’s mayor and members of the city council have added the hiring of a full-time tourism director to the coming summer’s budget planning comes at a pivotal time for the area.

May 13, 2012
Better schools hold key to future
Are you satisfied with your child’s school?
Have your read the statistics about the dropout rate among Alabama students? The below national average test scores? The remedial work required in college because of poor math skills? Or the poor reading scores?

May 7, 2012
It’s the economy, not parties
Politics. One day finds candidates embroiled in heated, hateful exchanges against each other. The next day one bows out and pledges to support the other.
Of course, there may well be a cost for that pledge.

May 4, 2012
Valuable time away from school
The state’s tourism industry leaders have complained for years that school schedules are hurting their business.

May 3, 2012
More Editorials Headlines

Editorials

Search Results

Discussion

Gaining an advantage

Site Map

Contact Us