Jewish World Review Feb. 18, 2005 / 9 Adar I 5765

Lewis A. Fein

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Consumer Reports


Method Man: A Drug War We're Losing


http://www.jewishworldreview.com | Does Congress have an intellectual head cold, an ailment that threatens to impair its judgment? As an allergy sufferer, I am concerned about pending federal legislation that would excessively regulate the sale of many safe and effective medicinal products now on the market. Members of the United States Congress, as part of a broader campaign to combat methamphetamine ("meth") abuse, have introduced legislation that classifies most cold or cough remedies as controlled substances, limiting access to the very people - myself included - who need an affordable, proven and accessible means of relieving these unfortunate symptoms. Indeed, the "Combat Meth Act" is itself further proof about the law of unintended consequences, where law-abiding individuals become victims while real criminals exploit the system.


Make no mistake, I am a fierce opponent of drug abuse, an epidemic that destroys good people and devastates friendships, families and entire communities. But, in fighting an obvious enemy, Congress must keep the best interests of their constituents in mind. There is no quick and easy way to address the meth problem - limiting people's access to cold medicine is not the answer. Such a measure will not reduce the sale, manufacture or distribution of this deadly drug. Why? A few reasons: 80% of meth is imported, a villainous creation of Mexican drug cartels. Secondly, individuals making large quantities of meth obtain the ingredients illegally anyway. And finally, meth can be made using a variety of common household products. By the time Congress finishes, the household medicine cabinet will be one huge version of contraband, which is unacceptable.


Millions of consumers nationwide should not be punished for taking charge of their personal healthcare needs. If Congress restricts the sale of these over-the-counter medications, the subsequent cost to the health care system - and the concurrent loss in wages and productivity for workers - will be enormous. There is simply no reason to make healthcare additionally expensive, forcing cold or allergy sufferers to purchase medicines only when a pharmacist is on duty or suffer needlessly through another governmental bureaucracy.


This legislation would hurt people in both inner cities and rural areas, as many depend on convenience stores to buy their cold or allergy medications. By making these products available only in pharmacies, people in the heartland of America will be the first victims of this bill's so-called benevolence. Such a policy is disrespectful toward our own citizens; it cheapens the value of public policy and the war against drugs.


This proposed bill limits consumer choice. Products would be located behind the pharmacy counter, which both reduces the number of items carried (due to limited counter space) and takes away the consumer's opportunity to compare products and make an informed decision. As someone who scrutinizes labels - I want to easily read and compare the contents of the things I purchase - this campaign is ridiculous. Even worse, we should not demean the important role of pharmacists, forcing them to spend their time acting as sales clerks.


I want a drug program that works, not one that hurts honest Americans. Congress needs to reexamine its intentions, and devise legislation that genuinely retards the manufacture and sale of methamphetamines. Any bill that attacks consumers or restricts access to effective medicines does not address the real problem of dangerous drugs. Let us defeat the real enemies of safety and public trust, not an imaginary group of false villains and innocent victims. We do not have a moment to waste.



JWR contributor Lewis A. Fein is a writer and Internet entrepreneur in Los Angeles. Comment by clicking here.

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© 2004, Lewis A. Fein