Today, the Alabama Legislature passed House Bill 363 in order to give law enforcement the tools that they need to curb the epidemic that is corroding our state.
House Bill 363 is one of the country’s toughest meth laws and will serve as a deterrent to those who seek to prey on the citizens of Alabama. Senator Bill Holtzclaw (R-Madison), sponsor of the bill in the Senate, said the passage of the bill will help deal with the epidemic of Crystal Meth.
“It’s important that we do everything we can to stop the manufacture and distribution of crystal meth in our state. At the same time, we don’t want to burden our law abiding citizens by making this common drug difficult to obtain. This bill allows for that,” Holtzclaw said. “I’m very pleased to see the overwhelming support we’ve had for this bill.”
One of the most pervasive problems in Alabama is the proliferation of methamphetamine. Newly created ways to manufacture meth such as “shake and bake” labs have created an additional threat to law enforcement and our citizens. To make this destructive drug, one key ingredient is often needed; pseudoephedrine and/or ephedrine. While Alabama’s District Attorneys and other law enforcement continue to do their job, without crucial legislation to tighten the availability of these base ingredients, we are losing this war, according to Randy Hillman, the executive director of the Alabama District Attorney’s Association.
“The Alabama District Attorneys Association would like to applaud the decisive and overwhelming action taken by our legislature to address this pervasive problem that endangers users, the environment and our children. The passage of this bill is a testament to bill sponsor Representative Blaine Galliher (R-Etowah), Senator Bill Holtzclaw and a diverse group of statewide partners who came to the table with a solution designed to support law enforcement efforts to combat this drug,” Hillman said. ”Although we may never eliminate all illicit drugs from our society, we stand firm in our commitment to do what it takes to protect Alabama.”
Dear Alabama Legislators,
I appreciate and commend your efforts in passing the much needed HB 363.
However, I reflect on why there was such a need for HB 363. Could it be that as a society when we “kicked God” out of the public arena by censuring Bible reading and prayer in public schools that now the axiomatic principle of “sowing and reaping” is “kicking in”?
I realize I am one of the few “old moss-backs” who in fact believes “God is not mocked: [by society or individual] for whatsoever a man soweth, THAT shall he also reap. For he that soweth to the flesh shall reap corruption…” (Galatians 6:7-8).
HB 363 is only addressing the symptom, not the problem. The predicament we face in Alabama and America is not a lethargic economy and high gas prices. It’s a spiritual problem, along with weak leadership (public, private, and religious), and “un-common sense.
My prayers are with you. You have a daunting task. Be strong. Do what’s right, always.
Jeff Grimes
Minister: Sasser church of Christ,
Brantley Al.