It's common sense vs. big government tonight on KET

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Rep. Brent Yonts, D-Greenville, will discuss his proposal to improve Kentucky's system of tracking illegal purchases of pseudoedphedrine on KET's Kentucky Tonight... tonight at 8 p.m. (eastern).

Pseudoephedrine is a necessary ingredient for the manufacture of the dangerous and destructive methamphetamine drug.

Yonts will be joined by Major Tony King of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office in trying to protect law-abiding Kentuckians the right to purchase all forms of Sudafed and other medicines containing pseudoephedrine over-the-counter.

Bill Goodman hosts the hour-long, award-winning public affairs program, which is replayed at 2 a.m. on Wednesdays.

During the live Monday broadcast, viewers with questions and comments may participate by calling 1-800-494-7605 or by e-mail at kytonight@ket.org or use the message form at www.ket.org/kytonight.Rep. Linda Belcher, D-Shepherdsville, and Warren County prosecutor Chris Cohron will argue for more big-government solutions to Kentucky's methamphetamine problem by promoting a policy that would prohibit the purchase of the the most popular cold and allergy medicines in Kentucky without a prescription.

Promoters of big-government solutions claim the restriction is needed to prevent "smurfing." But find out what "smurfing" is and how Yonts' proposed solution targets criminals and protects law-abiding citizens by reading my recent column on the issue, "Smurfers beware: Proposal punishes meth makers, not soccer moms."

Here's an excerpt from that column:

“Smurfing” is what meth makers do to get the ingredients needed for their concoctions. They – or others they pay – go from store to store, buying up as much Sudafed as they can get their hands on to use – not to treat colds but to cook drugs.

By limiting the amount of pseudoephedrine products that can be purchased while also restricting anyone convicted of a meth-related crime – “smurfing” included – clear-headed law enforcement officials believe the incentives will be strong to discourage the practice.