On my soap box...
It is no secret that Oklahoma has a huge problem with methamphetamine production. A few years ago we had a groundbreaking law that actually worked in curving the amount of meth manufactured in our state. The law moved all over-the-counter colds meds that were used for the production behind the pharmacist wall and required ID to purchase no more than 2 boxes at a time. This proved so successful surrounding states began enacting similar laws.
Well the production method has evolved to get around these laws. So one of our new legislators that happens to be a former police officer is proposing this new law:
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A doctor's prescription would be needed for what is currently an over-the-counter cold medication under a proposal by Oklahoma's top drug enforcement officer. Darrell Weaver, director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, says the proposal is designed to cut down on so-called shake-and-bake methamphetamine labs in Oklahoma. Weaver urged state lawmakers to make cold medications containing pseudoephedrine, such as Sudafed and Claritin-D, a Schedule II drug that requires a visit to a physician's office and a prescription before it can be purchased. Weaver aired the proposal before members of the House Judiciary Committee. A Tulsa-area lawmaker who requested the meeting, Rep. Lucky Lamons, says he'll introduce legislation next year to make Weaver's plan state law.(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
This is going to far - in my mind. First we need affordable health-care for everyone. If this law becomes real it will only hurt the people without health insurance. The criminals will still find a way to make meth. They will adjust the formula or something.
It would be alright to make these cold medicines prescription only if we had a healthcare plan that works. The majority of people that buy over-the-counter cold medicines are just like you and me - honest, hard working people.
I don't want to have to go to a doctor everytime I have a bad cold. Even with health insurance it is $20 to see the doctor, $10 for the prescription plus time off for the doctor appointment. That equals far more money than what I would have spent going to the corner drug store and buying a box of Sudafed. Not to mention lining the pocket of the health insurance companies even more for no reason.
Please contact your local State Representative and tell them this is just silly. Also contact Senators Coburn and Inhoffe and your congressman to let them know we need affordable healthcare that works!
long days and pleasant nights...
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