I found the below story somewhat amusing in its analogy to our own favored political area. If the subject had been guns, the Democrat and Republican statements would have been exactly reversed. Being a Republican (or at least what used to be called Republican), I'm firmly in the Democrats court on this one.
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http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=533&e=4&u=/ap/20050731/ap_on_re_us/oregon_meth
Oregon Anti-Meth Bill Aimed at Cold Pills
By BRAD CAIN, Associated Press Writer1 hour, 56 minutes ago
The Senate on Saturday approved a plan to make Oregon the first state in the nation to require a prescription for many cold and allergy medicines, an attempt by lawmakers to shut down methamphetamine labs.
The Senate voted 26-4 to approve the measure, which now returns to the House. Soon the bill is expected to reach the desk of Gov. Ted Kulongoski, who supports it.
The legislation would require prescriptions by mid-2006 for medicines containing pseudoephedrine and two similar substances, which are used in such popular medicines as Sudafed, Claritin and Theraflu.
The bill was endorsed despite complaints that it would unfairly burden law-abiding citizens who cannot afford doctor visits.
"Should we pass this legislation today, we are not going to be happy with ourselves down the road," Democratic Sen. Vicki Walker said.
But supporters called it a necessary step to curb methamphetamine production and safeguard children who are exposed to toxic chemicals in homes used as meth labs.
"It's a no-brainer," said Republican Sen. Jeff Kruse. "If we can save one meth baby, it will be worth it."
The governor said he was pleased with the Senate vote, saying it would "have a significant impact on our state by keeping pseudoephedrine out of the hands of meth cooks."
Oregon is among more than a dozen states that restrict the sale of pseudoephedrine tablets to pharmacies and require that the medications be kept behind the counter. Customers must also show identification.
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http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=533&e=4&u=/ap/20050731/ap_on_re_us/oregon_meth
Oregon Anti-Meth Bill Aimed at Cold Pills
By BRAD CAIN, Associated Press Writer1 hour, 56 minutes ago
The Senate on Saturday approved a plan to make Oregon the first state in the nation to require a prescription for many cold and allergy medicines, an attempt by lawmakers to shut down methamphetamine labs.
The Senate voted 26-4 to approve the measure, which now returns to the House. Soon the bill is expected to reach the desk of Gov. Ted Kulongoski, who supports it.
The legislation would require prescriptions by mid-2006 for medicines containing pseudoephedrine and two similar substances, which are used in such popular medicines as Sudafed, Claritin and Theraflu.
The bill was endorsed despite complaints that it would unfairly burden law-abiding citizens who cannot afford doctor visits.
"Should we pass this legislation today, we are not going to be happy with ourselves down the road," Democratic Sen. Vicki Walker said.
But supporters called it a necessary step to curb methamphetamine production and safeguard children who are exposed to toxic chemicals in homes used as meth labs.
"It's a no-brainer," said Republican Sen. Jeff Kruse. "If we can save one meth baby, it will be worth it."
The governor said he was pleased with the Senate vote, saying it would "have a significant impact on our state by keeping pseudoephedrine out of the hands of meth cooks."
Oregon is among more than a dozen states that restrict the sale of pseudoephedrine tablets to pharmacies and require that the medications be kept behind the counter. Customers must also show identification.
:banghead: 
