Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2000 01:09:18 -0500 (EST)
Message-Id: <200001110609.BAA12082@mattababy.mit.edu>
From: belmonte@mit.edu (Matthew Belmonte)
To: CapuanoHR8@aol.com
Subject: oppose the DEFEAT Meth Act

Dear Representative Capuano

When Congress reconvenes later this month, the House is expected to debate the
DEFEAT Meth Act, which passed the Senate by voice vote on 19 November.  This
measure would ban Internet publication of information regarding Schedule I
controlled substances.  Such a restriction on speech would set a poor precedent
on speech about controversial topics.  In addition, an absence of scientific
facts about drugs would add to the atmosphere of misinformation and mystique
surrounding these drugs, and thus, like many other drug-war stratagems, may
actually increase demand.

In addition, the proposed measure would allocate a pittance for drug
rehabilitation and other harm-reduction strategies in comparison to the large
sum allocated for law enforcement: the bill asks for $30 for the DEA,
$25 million for law enforcement in `high-intensity trafficking areas', and
$25 million split among interdiction, studies of the law's effectiveness, and
prevention.

The DEFEAT Meth Act's restrictions on electronic speech and its focus on
drug enforcement over drug abuse prevention make it a poor plan.  I hope that
you'll argue against it, and oppose it when it comes to a vote.