Friday, January 18, 2008
In the name of meth and crack, recent Kansas Legislation has toughened up on what it now considers drug paraphernalia.
This most recent infringement on civil rights (the right to buy a piece of glass without the county assuming you’re going to use it to inhale meth) comes from Paul Davis, whose bill was introduced to the Kansas House of Representatives in early 2006.
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This ban is not hurting the meth and crack dealers that may live in Douglas County, but instead it is affecting many local businesses that students know and recognize as contributing to Lawrence’s atmosphere.
It is especially surprising that Davis, a Lawrence representative, endorses this bill, knowing the harmful economic effects it could have on some businesses in Lawrence.
Changes to the bill are included in the supplementary notes, which read: “Provided that, although an item has not been used or did not contain a controlled substance, this would not be a defense to a charge of drug paraphernalia.”
The logic behind this ban stems from the conventional wisdom that preaches if the meth-smoking devices aren’t available, meth won’t be a problem.
But who smokes meth out of a hookah?
No one does.
This ban is not hurting the meth and crack dealers that may live in Douglas County, but instead it is affecting many local businesses that students know and recognize as contributing to Lawrence’s atmosphere.
Among the business affected are Aladdin’s Cafe, Third Planet, Creation Station and the Hookah House, all located on Massachusetts Street.
Moreover, the glassblowers and local artists whose well being depends on selling their glass products to these businesses will be damaged.
The city has targeted meth and crack use and has waved the “in the name of the children” flag without even proving to constituents that a meth and crack problem exists in Douglas County.
District Attorney Charles Bronson reported to the Lawrence Journal-World that “this isn’t going to stop people from doing drugs, but it’s going to make it less available.”
Two parts of Bronson’s statement are particularly vague and questionable.
First, he admits that this won’t stop the drug problem, and second, he did not specifically call attention to crack or meth as being the inspirations behind the change in what paraphernalia is.
But “it” is certainly the key and operative word in Bronson’s statement.
Does “it” mean meth?
Because putting Third Planet out of business will not shorten the supply of meth.
Does “it” mean crack?
But if “it” means bongs, pipes and hookahs, then this measure could not be more effective.
It certainly will make buying a pipe more difficult.
Although this is a statewide ban, so far only Douglas County officials seem enthusiastic about enforcing it.
Now Lawrencians will have to drive into Kansas City.
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Comments
Editorial: Ban Targets Wrong Group
The Third Planet will still be operating...but the pipeshop will close on Tuesday per officer Squire's orders. The rules are all still being strictly enforced which means HAVE A VALID I.D. and DON'T SAY BONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Editorial: Ban Targets Wrong Group
Hookahs are now illegal?! I have been a loyal hookah smoker for three years and have NEVER smoked anything other than tobacco from my hookah. I am also friends with many Lawrence hookah owners. If I were to take a poll, I imagine the results would show that over 90% of hookah owners only smoke tobacco from their prized hookah possesion. If people want to smoke crack, meth marijuana...whatever...they are going to do it. You can turn ANYTHING into a smoking device if you have the desire. Some people get high using apples....Are we going to ban PRODUCE next?!!
Editorial: Ban Targets Wrong Group
join us in a week or so for a "Mass Smokeout" on Mass Street...we will donate the wood and corncob pipes we have left and ask people to come down with their own legal tobacco smoking pipes and hookah's and see if we can get arrested...ask at the stores...
Editorial: Ban Targets Wrong Group
Is it possible to get the # of the bill that was passed? I was already seriously considering running against Paul Davis, but this may just be the needed push. He sounds alot more like a neo-conservative than a respectable liberal.
Editorial: Ban Targets Wrong Group
K.S.A. 65-4150...run sniper run!!!!!!!
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