Columnist’s rush to defend a dangerous drug...

Columnist’s rush to defend a dangerous drug unwise

Regarding Lolita Harper’s column “The rush will soon be over”

(Wednesday) on the statewide ephedra ban: Ephedra is nothing more

than legalized “speed” that sold on the streets.

It is a drug now banned in all four major professional sports, as

well as the Olympics and many other amateur sports. Chemically, it is

indeed related to amphetamines. Its manufacturing process is

unregulated. The quality and content is therefore not verified by the

Food and Drug Administration.

The levels of potency indicated on the label may be less or may be

more than what is claimed. Hence the possibility for adverse,

life-threatening effects increase. Truly, it is a gamble each time

the user takes the drug.

Even though the dosage may be precisely followed by the consumer,

they may or may not be getting what they bargained for. Worse, they

could be getting much more than they bargained for. This would

certainly not be a matter of abuse if there are adverse effects.

Harper, you make red herring comparisons to other legal

substances, such as alcohol and food, that are abused. Well, here’s a

comparison that holds a little more credibility: Methamphetamines, as

in “crystal,” “meth,” or “crank,” etc. Those drugs, like ephedra,

give the user a speed effect, with more energy and stamina.

The manufacturing of those drugs is parallel to ephedra: They are

unregulated by the FDA. The level of potency is truly unknown. It’s a

gamble each time the user takes the drug. The possibility for

adverse, life-threatening effects are very real. And like the

scenario described in the beginning of your article, it is bought in

“dimly lit alleys” at over-inflated prices. Lastly, when the user’s

“stash” runs out (like your ephedra will, Harper), the user goes out

to find more.

Unfortunately, ephedra won’t be going away anytime soon. Harper,

you need not worry about you or Aimee’s “habits” coming to an end --

not unless you want them to, of course. The “black market” will now

take over. My prediction is there will be little or no difference of

the quality or quantity of product available. The price will just be

higher, and those that are selling it will likely offer a plethora of

other “pick-me-ups” to solve those fatigued, end-of-the-day workouts

-- and more.

Users of ephedra or any other “performance enhancing” substances

are certainly altering their state of consciousness and/or physiology

in order to get an extra “edge” or “boost” for themselves or over

their competition.

As a 40-something-year-old man who works two jobs and has kids at

home, I’m grateful to get to the gym sober and enjoy the natural

euphoria and boost a workout gives me. I cannot understand why a

young person like Harper or her friend need to alter their reality or

their state of consciousness to get a good workout.

Furthermore, I fail to comprehend why you would devote a column

that may promote the use of ephedra, as well as the underground

scenario of “scoring” of the drugs and your “stash” running out.

Granted, you mention the possible adverse effects, but it is clear

what side of the fence you are sitting on.

Harper, if you haven’t already, take a look at my inspiration, my

hero, Jack LaLanne. He’s in his late 80s and drug free. You can see

what a person can do to their body without using mind-, or

chemical-altering substances. Certainly, his success is a matter of

his personal perspective and attitude toward what he is determined to

do with his body, heart, mind, and soul.

Hopefully, when your “Fruit Punch Speed Stack” runs out, you and

your friend can look for a source of cognitive inspiration rather

than using mind-altering drugs to achieve your peak performance.

DAVID SINGER

Costa Mesa

Beware of mudslinging in horse manure debate

There have been several articles regarding our horse manure

problem. Both sides have strong feelings, just as our dog owners. Now

the horses are on stage. First there were doggie bags, now bags and

shovels.

Horse manure is messy and comes in large sizes. Clean up can be a

big job. A woman had dismounted and done a cleanup but was cited by

an officer who apparently did not like the results. Wouldn’t a

warning have sufficed? Will we now be issuing depth, width and odor

kits with masks?

I am concerned that a dismounted horse could be scared and bolt,

perhaps injuring others. Do 9- to 16-year-old riders know what to do

with the reins?

Some may say, “Let businesses take a two-mile stretch” and sponsor

the cleanup, as they do in freeways. Carl’s Jr., Home Depot and

Fletcher Jones could be awarded the Back Bay.

Those who have toured New York and New Orleans have seen carriage

horses with diapers. Yes, horses wear diapers just like incontinent

people. Some of you owners might say, “Not my horse -- it will look

like a Mercedes without a rear bumper.”

OK. Enough tongue in cheek.

I suggest both horse owners and the city check into horse diapers

on the Internet, perhaps they are a solution. Let’s remember to keep

it cool and friendly at the next City Council meeting.

LOU VON DYL

Newport Beach

Coyotes deserve to live in their natural habitat

I just moved to the bluffs, very close to the Back Bay. I was so

delighted to hear the coyotes howl one night. How wonderful that

these wild creatures can still exist along with raccoons, skunks,

opossums and rabbits that live near urban life.

I was so disheartened to see the opinions of one resident that our

lives would be safer for humans and our pets without the coyotes. I

also have two small animals that coyotes would love to eat, so I am

not biased against pets, but all of God’s creatures deserve to live

in their natural environment -- which is dwindling due to human

pollution and development.

I applaud city animal control officials for preserving the Back

Bay for these animals. To co-exist with animals in nature sometimes

takes more care and work. But all animals, not just our pets, deserve

the right to live.

I believe it is a far better lesson to teach people to live in

harmony with all of God’s creatures, instead of killing, or

destroying, any animal so the privileged few can live a more pampered

life.

As far as public safety is concerned, without a doubt, humans are

a much greater threat to our children, pets and community than a few

coyotes.

CARRIE LAVIGNE

Newport Beach