I agree with the goal of eliminating the Date Rape drug, but a government crackdown on the sale and or production of the drug isn't going to solve the problem. Tougher penalties should be enacted against violent offenders who drug someone. Simply cracking down on the sale of the drug doesn't really get a handle on the situation.

Well, yes, if we could, but I also agree with President X-D's comment that it is a secondary issue to the actual offenders. Sadly, rape will happen with or without the drug available. In Friday's (Jan 16, 2004) edition of the Baltimore Sun (Page 8B, Anne Arundel), a story was run about former Carroll schools superintendent W. Hyde getting an 18-month sentence for raping and sexually abusing an elementary school-aged girl, when the sentencing guidelines recommend a term of 10 years and three months to 22 years in prison. His attorney argued Is it enough that Bill Hyde has lost everything in his life, the respect of the community, the reputation he built? If this man is guilty of the crime, it's sickening that losing face would be considered even things out for raping a young girl. That 18-month sentence must be a slap in the face for the victim and her family. It would be great if the date rape drug could disappear off the face of the earth, but there's a more serious problem to deal with.

YES! Because many innocent young women will not be drugged and raped. Date rape drug is evil and repulsive and it should be banned forever!

A secondary issue. Persecute violent offenders to the full extent of the law and make those laws tougher. And yes, drugging someone IS a violent crime.

Easy. Heavy-style crackdown. Perhaps a system could be invented to detect the drug (some sort of scanner?) and then specially trained government agents could be stationed after popular teen hangouts like nightclubs (which I hate) and others. Then, arrest anyone that is seen putting the drug in a drink. It's not big brother, its the safety of humanity.