Sign of times? Committee's recommendation a little bit extreme, but ...

The fact that the state is considering requiring a prescription to buy cold medicine should not really surprise anyone.

The continuing problems with methamphetamines -- and the tragic results when the production of those drugs mixes with families -- are enough to make anyone jump at the chance to stem the tide.

There are significant downsides to requiring a prescription to buy medicines that have, so far, been available over the counter. First, it is an extra piece of red tape that takes time to accomplish, and second, it adds a doctor visit fee to the cost of a package of cold medicine.

All in all, it seems like just too much to ask for the 99 percent of the population who have no intention of using the medications to create meth.

But there is a real concern about meth and its prevalence in areas around the state. It is dangerous. It is wildly addictive. And it is killing people.

Creating dumb rules might not be the best idea to address this issue. But, asking for stricter regulation when the medications are bought is. More checking and cross-checking might be a good idea.

Who knows, maybe someday you will have to get a license to get an Advil.

Published in Editorials on December 14, 2012 11:03 AM