My prayers are with the family of this little girl and the little girl. Such an unnecessary thing to happen. I hope the uncle is caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. He couldn't have been a bigger idiot.

That poor little girl!

Dealers, especially this one, need to have not just the law brought down on them, but they need tougher sentances! They endanger lives of others everyday, and like in this case innocents always get hurt in the end. People like this, need locked away and never let out! I hope they find that man, and I hope he finds his time in prsion to be an experience he'll never escape from.

Those top level managers of Meril Lynch and all other top level managers of banks that helped with the destruction of the US economy that got millions in bonuses over the last several years, (and are now recieving bailout money) should have a special retroactive tax of 90 to 95 % of their income from the last 4 or 5 years. I am a taxpayer and I am disqusted at the tolerance we show toward the greed that got us where we are now.

It is sad that cnn.com has so many 'typos' in its articles. While I used to be able to let my students read them for examples of how to write, I have a hard time reading them myself these days...

From this article alone:
"To give you an extend of this drug epidemic"

Even the tired, old mantra: "The War on Drugs" should be revived once again to address methyl amphetamine. Everyone's life has been touched by this tragedy to some extent. If the story of this little girl doesn't inspire you, wait....you will find some form of tragedy around you sooner .... or later.

All states should have a program like Montna for meth. It's called the Montana Meth Project. These graphic ads have made a huge difference in the children especially who would otherwise start on meth. They basically scare the hell out of anyone who sees them and they do work.

You are so right. Greed is the primary reason we are as screwed up as we are. Our way of life has played out no different than in the centuries old days of "let them eat cake". No human is worth the salaries and bonuses of CEO's. They need to get over themselves, because we all sure did years ago.

,....? and they are still fighting to stop the fences from going up on the mexican border,...?

I find it highly ironic that we, the taxpayers, are footing the bill for something our own government started.

Do any of you know how the whole meth thing got started?? Most people don't.

The governent made meth!! During WWII it was made and given to pilots for long bombing runs. These pilots got addicted and guess what? Yep they got the info on how to make it and now we have this huge meth problem.

Thanks to our wonderful government!!

that is so scary. aw the poor little girl and she's only 11. i hope she turns out ok. but thats a shame for something to happen like that and from your family member to put it in sprite that someone may drink. thats a shame.

let the uncle drink acid enough said

why would they just leave a bottle of toxins lying around they probobly knew that she woud drink out of the bottle i hope that they catch him and bring him to justice

Soda costs her life.The reckless preparation of meth has endangered an innocent life. Why do people indulge in such nefarious activities?All for damn money.

Sad Sad story children always seem to be the ones who pay for Adults greed!

Yes you are absolutely correct it was our government that created this awful drug and yes that is exactly how it came into play now does anyone see our Government doing that much to really crack down on it?

Maybe this horrific thing with this child will bring more to light and make our officials crack down harder on this sort of thing?

People who make this stuff can kill themselves the labs can blow up and why does anyone want to do a drug that has acid or cleaning fluids in it?

Drink some coffee and be happy! This country is a total mess!

It's so sad,but like if the family did not have any idea of what was going on there. WHERE WAS HER MOTHER? Remember cousin operating a “shake and bake” meth lab(WHAT ABOUT THE SMELL,MOST PEPOLE WOULD THINK) in a trailer on the family’s property. Wayne Thurman Tubbs, was running at least 6 meth labs. Tubbs is a wanted man. Alot of clue don"t you think!!! Who's more at falt? Tubbs/Dealer or Mother/who accepted it,and didn't care?

One of the earliest uses of methamphetamine was during World War II when the German military dispensed it under the trade name Pervitin.[5] It was widely distributed across rank and division, from elite forces to tank crews and aircraft personnel. Chocolates dosed with methamphetamine were known as Fliegerschokolade ("flyer's chocolate") when given to pilots, or Panzerschokolade ("tanker's chocolate") when given to tank crews. From 1942 until his death in 1945, Adolf Hitler may have been given intravenous injections of methamphetamine by his personal physician Theodor Morell as a treatment for depression and fatigue. It is possible that it was used to treat Hitler's speculated Parkinson's disease, or that his Parkinson-like symptoms which developed from 1940 onwards were related to use of methamphetamine.[6]

Hang him! Stop putting these kinds of people in jail, enough is enough! They don't learn from being locked up, and it just wastes more of our money.

How unfortunate,
As a mother of 3 children of all ages from HS age, middle schooler age & right down to daycare. I can't imagine the pain that her parents must feel.
However, although the Uncle may be a drug dealer most likely for financial reasons, had endangered this child and should most definately pay for this, He is human. I'm most certainly not defending him. But being the Uncle of this child I'm sure he must be in agony.
Hopefully this young girl in just the dawn of her life will recover.
I will keep her in my prayers.

I honestly don't feel bad for this kid. Where were her parents? They obviously know about the existence of this meth lab this girl was living in – heck they probably are a part of it too. Weeding out those that bring society down one at a time.

I'm not sure what the border fence has to do with this. The people in the story are not illegal immigrants and the meth problem did not come from anywhere other than the heartland of our own country.

I feel sad for this girl and her family.

I would think that you would teach your child especially a 11 year old child not to drink things that they find.

In my opinion the childs parents are to blame also for not teaching their child better.

It is a terrible thing that happened to that little girl. I do not believe our Government is to blame though.
Yes, Meth was first made in WWII, but not by "our" Government. It was first introduced by Hitler. He gave it to his soldiers and also used it himself.

i think that the person(s) responsible for making this solution should go down for life! its a shame!

Nice to know I live and work in the Meth Capital of the US!

What do corrupt Wall Street CEO's have to do with this tragedy? Or Mexican border fences? And WHOSREALLYTOBLAME, you're only partly right on who started it. It was WWII, but it was the German Army, Tank Corps and Luftwaffe. After the war, it became a popular street drug in Japan, and was prescribed in the US in the 50's for narcolepsy, Parkinson's, alcoholism, depression and obesity.

In this case, nothing the courts can do will ever be enough for this little girl or her parents.

It's unfortunate that there are some grown adults who care too much about their own selfish needs and not enough to protect the minors around them. If you are going to jeopardize your life by doing something so stupid as having anything to do with meth, then do it only if you have no children around or near you, period. Think of that innocent child first. If you can't, then either don't have any children, or give them up for adoption. I'm so sick of these irresponsible adults. I don't really care if they have a drug addiction; that is not the child's fault. And on another note, if your boyfriend cannot handle his temper, then either get hid of the loser, or give up custody of your child. There are plenty of responsible, loving adults who would love to give a child a loving, safe, home.

The person(s) needs to spend the rest of his(their) life in prison or at least hold him(them) down and have him(them) drink acid too, for what he(they) has done.

My heart goes out to this little girl. She will have to live with this for the rest of her life because some a-hole just wanted to get high! Words can't expess what this little girl has gone through and will continue to go through.

Eye for an eye!!!!!

Mesa, Az

to ashamedofMO. When my husband and I considered moving to MO, one of the first things that popped into my head was meth users. I hate to say it, but a lot of these small to middle size cities are full of people who use meth. There is no way in hell that I would want to risk exposing my child to that kind of element. It's a shame is right, because there is a lot of beautiful places in MO. Too bad mindless druggies have to ruin it for everybody else.

In my country the Philippines, we've seen an alarmingly growing number of meth labs in the news being set up by chinese triads from mainland china and other mob members who are not even from the Philippines. they usually set them up in peaceful, exclusive residential neighborhoods and make so much money off the streets. It's killing the youth back home, it's poison. Their sales agents hawk the drugs off the streets, by word of mouth, they target potential victims, students and kids on the basketball get them hooked and make big fortunes off their steady clientele, whose lives they've ruined.

I know this because once in a while, we see them in the news, drug busts and all, but how many more are not caught and are operating for years, spreading the poison - sigh

All drugs except Marajuana (because it is grown...natural) were made by the government. Hello Extacy was created by the gov. and prescribed by counselors....to help couples who were having troubles in their marriages. It was supposed to help ease tensions and help them be able to talk about issues that normaly would cause a fight and induce a better sex life. Or people who were depressed. So the government is the reason man made drugs exist...and they blame drug dealers for being able to make money off something they couldnt. How do you think most normal people know how to make extacy, meth, etc. Crack is easy to make but normal people dont sit around mixing cocain with baking soda and water and then know to whisk it till its hard. The Government makes them and puts it on the streets.

As a 7 year recovering Meth addict, I am here to tell you that no amount of punishment is going to stop this. The only way to stop Meth is to educate people BEFORE they try it the first time. 80% of people that try Meth once get addicted to it. Only 6% of Meth addicts ever recover.

The police even take drugs they have taken in raids, traffic stops, and where ever else they find it....and then turn around and sell it to some top dealer in their district. They can even give protection to the dealer to make sure they have money steadily coming in. Crooked law and government officials is the real reason drugs are still here. They wouldnt have all that money flowing in other wise and do you know how many people would loose their jobs if every drug was completely gone? Its a vicious cycle that is run by greed!

I believe the border comment was that the government needs to worry about what's going on in their own backyards.

That poor little girl. I hope that if she survives she will be put with a family that will take care of her and not in an institution because of the feeding tube.

Expect done to you, what you do unto others! Prison will be real fun for that guy...they don't take kindly to people harming child...even in prison. Have fun in there...where you belong.

Curiosity killed the cat.

That poor little girl!

Is someone taking up collections for her medical bills?

Try dodging these "tweakers" as they fly out of control down the road ways...horrible! All the adults who knew about this lab should be prosecuted...or given the same drink! They are of no use to anyone anymore anyway. so sad for the child...

And that monkey don't forget about the poor monkey. Why is PETA not in arms over all this...

I think anyone busted for making and / or distributing meth needs to be given a life sentence. The FIRST time! And I agree, we need to have Montana's ads about it done nation wide, and maybe even have the government give "finders fee's" to anyone who accurately reports where these labs are and who is running them. This needs to STOP!

This is in now way the parents fault, George. She is an 11 year old girl. when she gets thristy she is going to drink. Would you expect acid to be in a sprite bottle? No. It is her uncle's fault.

Her parents are to blame for not teaching her to drink from a bottle of Sprite found at a relatives house?

I'm all for parental responsability, but I think that's a little silly.

The girls parents should be charged they aren't blind these people knew what he was doing.

This man is disgusting. To run away from your mistake of nearly killing your own 11 year old cousin is just shame ful. LOCK HIM UP

next door neighbor is a meth head and a dealer we believe cooks as well.....wish the Buena Park Police(Orange County California) would do something but do not.....guess it takes a trajedy like this to get action?
Maybe the DEA should come to Buena Park as it is rampant there now and for some time

Why was this girl at her 42-year-old cousin's house in the first place? How could her parents not have known what was going on? If the girl dies, her cousin should go down for murder as well. However, even if she lives, who would want to spend their life with a feeding tube?!? She's eleven, would she even see the point in living anymore?

Dang "rednecks"! He ought to be charged with attempted murder!!! Needs to be put away for life!!!

What a bunch of girlie men!

There has never been a real "war on drugs" in this Country. To many highly placed individuals are making huge amounts of money from the drug trade so don't expect unknowing, unthinking, unconcerned, unethical and crooked politicians to do anything about it. Just look at the economic stimulus package that just passed – not a single Congressman or Congresswoman read the bill before they passed it (it hadn't been printed yet nor had it been made available on the web or Internet). Congress is a joke!

And, as long as United States citizens have an unsatiable appitite for drugs and are willing to inject, snort, smoke, or whatever any drug possible, the rest of the world will be more than happy to supply it. We here in the United States are at fault. Blame the rest of the world if you will but it's our own greed and our own lack of self-discipline and initiative that has caused this problem, not anyone or anything else.

If Drugs were legal this would have never happend...

you know the way i see it is that we all continue to PRAY for the famiily and that justice be served and that the baby has a full and blessed recovery

the little girl shouldn't have drank out of the bottle.and you say the parents are to blame.are you kidding me.but it is ok,to have 4 meth labs.didn't his parents teach him right from wrong.especially having it around children. she is 11, how old is he.commit to george jackson.

I hope this little girl makes it. But in response to George Jackson's comment that the parents should be charged for not teaching their child not to drink strange things, I disagree. This girl was with or within the vicinity of her cousin- her family. Certainly it would have been more polite if she had asked if she may have some soda, but she was within the comfort zone of her family's property. She didn't pick up a bottle off of the street. Now if her parents were aware that there was a meth lab there, and allowed their child to be anywhere near it, then that's another story. Meth labs blow up all the time, and children shouldn't be anywhere near drug activity (or any illegal activity). But let's give the parents the benefit of the doubt until we know otherwise. Best of luck to the young lady.

If you want to lose complete control of something, outlaw it. OSHA wouldn't put up with this sort of danger in a legal but highly regulated manufacturing facility. Instead, we push it underground where safety is out the window and kids get hurt. It makes no sense.

I think the war on drugs needs to be more focused on dangerous drugs and we should legalize marijuana. I would open a buisness today if weed we're legalized and stimulate the economy at the same time. While freeing up law enforcement and border agents to pursue the dangerous criminals. Our president smoked weed. "I inhaled, I think that was the point" was the comment I heard from Obama. This would also slow the flow of illigal immigrants as the marijuana BLACK MARKET is a strong source of income for immigrants that don't mind doing illigal things.

Rick Eiffert

you need to talk to barney Frank and Chris Dodd and their pal Frank Raines at Fanny Mae before you go retroing anybody's salaries. Those clowns in congress are the root of what's happened. They are the ones who should be prosecuted for all of this. and the saddest part is they've got most of America believing it's the EVIL CEOs. Big Money! Big Oil! Big Bank!

GAWD!

I hope the Lord brings down his wrath of holy fire and damnation on these forsaken drug dealers.

All I wanted was a Pepsi! Just ONE Pepsi!

When caught, the same should be done to him. He should be made to drink the same acid and then left to die. I am sorry if that sounds "inhumain" but nothing else has worked. The bottom line for me is, there is an innocent little girl who for the rest of her life has to eat by using a feeding tube. Enough is enough! If you are convicted without a doubt, of commiting a crime. Then the same thing should be done to you. Enough of this hand slapping. Just like the Susan Smith case where she watched as her 2 children drowned while strapped in the car. The same should have been done to her.

Once convicted, these "wastes of life" should never see the light of day again. No parole, no visitors to the jail, seclusion. Start putting these people where they will be forgotten about. They don't deserve to walk the earth. If you could give them the ultimate (capital punishment) I think that would even be acceptable. When is this country going to stop treating these guys and gals like they deserve a second chance? These low lifes care nothing for laws or other people. They are selfish individuals who only want to line their pockets with the money generated from killing people. They are some of the lowest forms of scum on this planet. They rank alongside child molesters and rapists and should be treated with absolutely ZERO respect or mercy.

I don't understand some of these comments. This story is not about CEO pay or immigration, although I agree that no human's presence in any organization is worth what these scumbags make. The wall, however, should come down. Humans aren't the only animals that migrate and the wall is a crime against nature. The meth dealer should be put away for life, but this accident could have happened in any poorly run workshop. I hope the little girl gets all the treatment she requires.

Rick Eiffert, what story were you reading????

I find it hard to believe that her parents were not aware of the cousins involvement with drugs. Most people would look at a persons lifestyle and compare it to the money they spend and question it. Any money that's gotten from from taking this man's property should be put into trust for the childs medical bills.

This has absolutly nothing to do with border fences Earle, read the article. There are thousands of meth labs accross the country and traffickers have no need to go through the effort or risk of bringing it accross a border.
A terrible thing, and incredibly sad that this young girl will be paying the price for the rest of her (possibly very short) life.
The hypocrisy I read in these comments (on various threads) is laughable. You don't like that our government introduced these attrocities to the country, so just go ahead and blame Hitler! Such an easy scapegoat, right??

I'm thinking that maybe we could learn something from Iran – their form of punishment – An Eye for an Eye.

A couple days ago a woman had acid poured on her by an unwanted suitor, which in turn after dozens of surgeries, she still lost her eyesight. She fought and won to have acid poured in guy's eyes.

Yes, maybe we can lay blame on the parents, but maybe they did tell her – you don't know. All kids, whether told or not, whether old or young, do stupid things without thinking. I know several adults who do stupid things they were "told" not too. The negligence still lies with the cousin – and we the tax payers will be paying for his court appointed lawyer, his time in jail, his parole, his tether when he gets out, etc. while this child will never live a normal life......

Maybe all states should adopt Michigan's method of fighting this. Cold medicine can only be dispensed by a pharmacist. The main ingrediant is dyphinehrdrymine.

This completely breaks my heart. That poor girl.

Why are there comments about the bailout and the economic meltdown attached to this story about meth labs?

Law Enforcement doesn't have a chance fighting the Meth problem. I live in Phoenix, and out in the desert you see hundreds of campers, RVs, even tents with tons of trash around them, and bad guys with guns hanging around. You want this to stop? Put a bounty on Meth dealers and manufacturers. Let the people deal with these fools. If Law Enforcement would allow the people to "hunt" these guys, the entire Meth community would dry up in a month! Sure, there would still be the occasional user, and Law Enforcement could lock them up for a few decades. But the people making the stuff, and the money are NOT AFRAID of Law Enforcement! That's a fact. Of course, this will never happen. But my point is this: We HAVE to stop looking at the Meth problem as just another controlled substance. It is a scourge, a blight on our nation. On our youth. On everyone it touches. Can't you boys in government come up with a better solution than just arresting, trying, convicting and warehousing these people? We do love our courts in this country, but maybe it's time to face the fact that most of the law-abiding folks that are legally here in this country want this to STOP! And your tired old methods of Law Enforcement for this particular plague JUST DON'T WORK! C'mon, think up something EFFECTIVE!

disgusting.

I think we should do what I have read somewhere else online. I think we should take all convicted Meth dealers and users and send them to the front lines of the war! Keep giving them there drugs and use them to difuse the IED's or to check out war zones. Who cares if they do not come back! They are pretty much killing themselves anyway and this way we can cut down on the tax payer money we are spending on keeping them in prison! I for one would much rather spend money on that than to allow them to sit in prison on my dime and get an education to one day get out and be an educated drug dealer!

What a despicable thing to happen to an innocent little girl.

Time for the US to institute "eye-for-eye" justice. Especially in these types of cases. Force him to drink acid. Put the spectacle on TV for all to see. Screw the bleeding heart lawyers and others who want to rehabilitate these deviants. Time we start pruning the gene pool. Prison will only make the situation worse since drugs are available inside (and he would likely learn more ways to deal).

When Urban America was suffering with Crack cocaine – officials ignored the problem – folks dying – families lost and split -
why didn/ they care? Was it b/c most of the children suffering from the CRACK epidemic were black, hispanic? Answer: Yes -
Now that there's a crisis in rural mostly white america – now there should be rehabs – clinics – projects and programs set up to help aid those families and individuals who are addicted to meth – My My –
See how white politicians wise up when their own are in trouble ...
It's sad – but the playing field is very uneven and unyielding -

White children are suffering – here come the politicians and cops to put the meth offenders in rehab and NOT jail – like they have done so many african-american males over the years – no rehab for them – just doing time.

Its getting where your children can't be safe anywhere – even at the house of a family member. I hope the little girl recovers and recovers to such an extent that she doesn't need a feeding tube or IV the rest of her life. The cousin running the meth labs – well it would be alright by me if someone tied him to a tree and pulled all his meth labs around him and threw a lighted match in – he deserves no mercy.

The more of these types of stories I see, the more I am starting to feel "an eye for an eye" is in order. No jail sentence is long enough for the selfish, stupid ass of an uncle who caused this to happen. Don't waste our money on jail for this idiot. Use it to talk care of the girl. The more these criminals are made into hardcore examples, the better off we will be. Lead by example.

This makes me so sad...that poor baby.:(
It's drugs like meth, heroin, and coke that should be the primary focus of law enforcement's War on Drugs. These substances are not just deadly to the people who use them, but, as we see in this unfortunate case, they are deadly to those who don't use them as well.
It's doubtful this incident would've occurred in the home of a pot head - the Sprite in the fridge probably would've been the real deal...not acid.

Prayers to this family and their little girl. What an horiffic ordeal.
As an ex addict myself, I pray for the cousin and all the rest of the makers, cookers, users, abusers, and pushers as well. I pray they find peace within themselves to understand that life itself is the greatest high in the world. No drug compares,

As for the little girl. She will have to learn to experience life in a new light ... a light that will make her WANT to live.

Love, family, patience, and togetherness ... she needs you all more now than ever.

Peace be with all of you.

I can't believe what kind people would leave that stuff in their homes when they have kids running around. It's unbelievable, it makes me really sad when I hear stuff like that

Yes! Back to the good old days when people had real character. None of this namby pamby court stuff. Oh, sure plenty of people actually went to trial for crimes but when the town "knew" who the culprit of certain crimes was they would go out in masse, grab the offender and hang him from the nearest tree. Screw due process, screw the teachings of Christ just kill all of the criminal and terrorists and all of us "good" people will be left with a much happier life. While we are at it I bet infedelity would go down in this country if only we could stone alduterers as well.

I know it's easy to think that we are wholly good and the bad are just the opposite. But you have to ask yourself this question:

If stoning and other aspects of sharia law were so good then why are they still stoning and hanging people for offences? Wouldn't you have thought that they would have killed all the bad people by now? If not for the grace of god any one of you could have ended up like the fool of a cousin this poor girl had. The fool deserves every bit of punishment that will come to him but he is still a human being. He is still one of our brothers.

To Lee Williams, if you are going to bash CNN for typos you might want to learn to read. The line you are "quoting" actually reads "To give you an idea of the extent of this drug epidemic". I believe that is proper English.

I feel for this girl. I think charges of attempted murder would be appropriate. I would also like to say that the idea of blaming the drug problem on the economic downturn is ridiculous. Every era in human history has it's own version of drug problems.

Meth heads...great.

I hope like you-know that the authorities find this guy & really throw the book at him. I kinda wonder why her PARENT(S) allowed her to be with this family member. Do they have NO CLUE what he's up to? If they don't, then they shouldn't be leaving their children with him AT ALL. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR KIDS WITH ANYONE YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS ABOUT!!!

Paying for someone to watch after her would have been a heckova lot cheaper in the long run. And she'd probably still be healthy, happy & playing. My thoughts & prayers for her & her family. May they find this (self-censoring here) jerk.

This is getting a little ridiculous. Meth labs are reported everywhere, and yet they are found by accident?

They are equipment, labour, and ingredient intensive. The finished product does not exist without the complicity of major pharmaceuticals, who know exactly in which towns they are selling the most ephedrine.

They know that a town selling 5000% more ephedrine can't possibly be more that much more ill than everyone else in the world.

What a joke. The number of ingredients needed to manufacture meth is incredible....and yet the news periodically still talks about a drug war in Colombia.

It saddens me that this child is struggling to survive this terrible tragedy. It saddens me that our society will blame our government instead of the horrible person who created the concoction that she drank. It saddems me that a teacher, of all people, would pick out misspelled words instead of sending a prayer out to this child. It is time to stand up to these people that are hurting our children. It is time to take back our neighborhoods. It is time to start praying again and pray for this child to live and that she have a wonderful realm of people to help her live as normal a life as possible. God be with her and may she grow to be a strong beautiful person to share love that she was not shown.

the worst part of this is that the uncle will probably get a slap on the wrist, go to rehab or some cushy couty jail for a while, but this girl will either die, or suffer for the rest of her life. he's probably still so high that he doesn't even know what he's done!!! what a waste of a human being

I feel for this poor little girl, but like many of you I wonder why this girl was with the cousin in the first place. I find it hard to believe that the parents didn't know that the cousin was involved with something, whether he was using or distributing. Shame on them. The President and government should start taking steps to make the manufacturing and distribution of meth a bigger criminal offense like Reagan did in the 80's. We will never solve or stop the drug epidemic, but we can always try to slow it down a bit. I think people like the girl's cousin should get lenthly jail sentences to make an example and show that they aren't playing anymore. The fact that the DEA lets "small time dealers" go if they give up their main dealer, is absurd. I understand the concept of trying to get the big wig, but in the mean time you let a scum go free to deal his crap and find a new big wig to deal with. Stop making so many deals.

I'm just stunned, that some of you are actually putting fault on an 11 yr old girl! Then again, I know when I was eleven, I always aked before I drank from a soda bottle, "Is this safe? any poison I should know about?" Even at that age, if she smelled something funny, they can lie very easy and a kid will believe. You're not going to know. 40 yrs ago, when we'd be smoking pot and a kid would catch us with a bowl, we'd say we were smoking tobacco. They believed. What did they know?

I learned from the show Intervention that Meth makers use the 2 Liter bottles to hide the smell. I feel this is the parents fault as well as the idiot who was supposed to be watching her. I find it impossible for the parents to not have known.

Even after a meth addict stops using meth it can still take years to recover from it. Meth speeds all of your bodies processes up, including your age. It cooks you from the inside out. You can easily tell when someone is using this drug. It ruins lives, the guilty and the innocent as we can all see. It is disgusting! It would be a miracle if the little girl lives. A meth addict is incapable of taking care of any child! Don't use drugs!!! Intervention also says that Albertville, AL is called Meth Mountain, which is close to Weaver.

If you are selling/making meth, you use it as well.

There are no second chances on this one. A little girls life is ruined. This is happening everywhere but i sure am glad i moved away from Alabama! I stay far away from the suburbs too.

My advice, if you live somewhere and notice a funny smell...report it. Better safe than sorry. You could save an innocent child's life.

BTW, Obama ROCKS!

the man that allowed this to happen should not be in jail,he should be in the hospital also after he drinks the rest of the what was supposed to be the bottle of sprite.

A consequence of criminal activity is collateral damage. That's part of the reason for laws in the first place....to reduce the both the direct *and* the collateral consequences.

Had meth labs been scarce, it still would have been possible for this to happen. However....

When a guy is running 6 meth labs, and authorities "stumble across" another lab looking for him, and this young girl is wandering freely within one, something has gone horribly wrong.

Blaming the girl is ridiculous. She's 11 years old. Put the blame where it belongs-on citizens who don't report suspicious activity, on law enforcement that doesn't vigorously enforce, on a timid judicial system, and on a criminal code that fails to provide adequate penalties.

It sounds like what's needed is a healthy sense of outrage to dump the status quo. Meth labs aren't that hard to find--they stink.

Mr. Falcon-

I hope the girl will be okay and my thoughts and prayers are with her.I can't help but ask the question where is her guardian, if meth was that prevalent around the places she lived, where were they at?

You are right it usually takes a tragedy, it is important to note two things one that there is a legal from of methamphetamine the original not street made that is just as addictive and has caused many of the drug labs to start in the first place and second that a parents prescriptions can be just as dangerous with medications such as Aderall, Xanax, and Oxycontin claiming a staggering and alarming increased mortality death rate among teenagers looking for a high that ends up costing them their lives.

I am sad now both of the sign of the times when our young people look for a high in drugs and not their own dreams and that parents are often absent in their lives so they look to drugs as their way to go.

Miranda

Crack is better and safer.

I can't believe some of the comments, even some racist ones in here. What does race have to do with a meth lab? Thats why Racism won't go away, cause someone has to make it racist.
Drug problems don't have to do with what color we are, what religion we are or what political party we are or even anything to do with being American or not. Drug problems are just govement induced though many of them may have been begun by the government.
Drugs are addictive whether they are prescription or illegal. And it hits people whether rich or poor, white, black, brown or purple. I think the point of the article was that a child was harmed and who was responsible? I can't say that the parents are to blame here UNLESS this cousin was living on their property or in their home. Then yes they would be responsible because there is no way anyone could convince a jury that he was making Meth in a home and no one knew it. Unless you picked the stupidest jurors in the world.
So Meth is such a big problem why hasn't the FDA or the government removed sudafed and the other components completely? Money=greed. Many cold medicines completely changed their formula because they didn't want the problem anymore. So again, why aren't removing those medicines from the shelves completely?
Its a terrible tragedy that an 11 year old has to go through what this girl is.
As for her knowing better and not drinking out of strange bottles.....You can tell a child that all day long until you are blue in the face and as soon as you turn your back to do something, they will snitch a drink. I have 3 kids, 21, 19, 15 and a granddaughter 3 and every one of them will do that. I don't care how old that girl is, they don't always listen to their parents. Tell a kid no and it becomes a challenge to them.

I really feel some of these comments are way off the story and in left field. Maybe with a new president in office who seems to hear the things no one thinks he has heard it should be brought to his attention? He wants to change things, put him to the test. Cause I'm sure that cleaning up some of the drug problems would be a damn good way to put our tax money to use. Cleaning up Hurricane Katrina and Ike would be too. Not that I think anyone is still reading this by now.

First of all read the story, the mother did not leave the girl with the cousin, the cousin lived in the back yard in a mobile home. But, I still don't see how the family didn't know because with my understanding cooking meth puts off a smell that can be smelt a way off. I just pray that the little girl is okay. And for the people trying to say that it was her falt, shame on you!!! How can you blame a child for this?

Oh God!! What a disaster..... why have you given so much pain for a 11 year old girl??? What wrong did she do??? What suffering... oh my God!!!

Oh God... please cure this girl completely.. and make her normal again..... or else take her away from this world.. she cannot lead a horrible life for a lifetime!!! Please take her away and relieve her of the unbearable pain!!!!! Or Save her... and give her a new life... a normal life again!!

God!!!

Just open your and see that Life is Beautiful!

I can't believe what I'm hearing. We have a president who promised to be upfront and straight when talking to the American people,now that he's being true to his word and actually doing so it sounds like you're suggesting that the American people would like to hear lies instead or that the President should do what so many other presidents in the past have done. We as Americans have had enough of embellishments,broken promises,lies and disregard for the people who voted to get them the presidency.I want to hear the truth and the whole truth so help me GOD. was I so angry that I mistakingly heard Anderson say Mr. Obama instead of President Obama. I've never heard that until now. It was always Mr. President or President so and so.Our President deserves the same respect as any other President.

This is another case of the harm brought by drug prohibition. No one dies in the manufacture of aspirin or beer, because these substances are legal. If coffee was outlawed, people would be getting shot in renegade coffee fields. The solution is to regulate methamphetamine so people can buy it at the drug store instead of having to synthesize it in their kitchen. Methamphetamine is currently completely unregulated and this causes many more problems than the drug itself.

I agree with you Lee...not only the many 'typos' in the above news article, but also the way in which much of it was worded.
One would think the articles would be proof read prior to printing.
Very unprofessional!

This is so heartbreaking. Meth has impacted my family and nearly ruined the lives of those who used. Thankfully, my loved ones recovered and left that life behind. I pity and pray for anyone who has a relative hooked on meth. It truly is of the devil and is catastrophic. I pray that this girl can somehow recover from this tragedy.

And also, this man (her cousin) probably isn't in this for profit. Most people who cook meth are using most of it themselves and give some to those who help collect the ingredients it takes to make it. They hoard it and use it like crazy. I doubt he was making money, just feeding his own evil addiction. Getting more meth is all that meth addicts think about.

Meth labs are worst than the crack dealers in the 80's. Why won't law makers in Washington create laws that put these Idiots away who run these labs. My heart and prayers go out to this little girl.

Maybe that cousin (Tubbs) should be sentenced to swallow a tablespoon, or two, of the same acid that this little girl drank by accident. After a few sentences like this, and I'll bet that we would see a dramatic drop in the "meth problem".

The important thing is that CNN and other news outlets put this discussion about methamphetamine out there. It needs to be put out there every single day, like passing a hot potato from one news outlet to another. This is OUR (the U.S.) hunger story, this is OUR violence against women and children story, this is OUR scourge, this is OUR health epidemic, this is OUR mental illness, this is OUR financial crisis, this is OUR national defense issue...on and on.
I've read all these comments, and a few seem to skim the surface, but no one has touched on the total drug-induced psychosis that occurs with this drug, and how quickly it forms. PBS did a tremendous job of hitting the absolute loss that happens with this drug. Here in San Diego, Channel 9 worked in conjunction with the local PBS station to put out the truth in regard to meth addiction and the ramifications for children and American soceity as a whole.
This drug does not come from a poppy seed or anything anyone's God has put forth naturally in nature. This is a recipe to produce madness and violence and that is all. But, unfortunately, it has temporary sexual attributes that I believe is the reason it has lasted as long as it has. But please notice the increase in sexual violence against children and its relationship with the increase of methamphetamine use and distribution. This is a drug that knows no limits.
Lastly, yes, the ingredients that make up the meth recipe are 90% coming from Mexico. Years ago, the anglo bikers ran the meth trade. Now it is from Mexico. That is not prejudiced; it is fact. Mexican families hate meth, too.
CNN, I'm begging you to talk about meth until it the drug becomes uncool. This is the worst killer ever. Thank you.

I am the youngest of three and my brother and sister were both drug abusers and living at home (well, every once in a while when they weren't on the streets or in jail). What happened to this poor child was my mother's worst fear realized. It never happened to me, thank God. My parents HAD THEIR EYES ON ME AT ALL TIMES AND KNEW EXACTLY WHERE I WAS AND WHAT I WAS DOING AND WHO I WAS WITH. I am not necessarily blaming the parents, but when meth is being cooked and dealt how much more evidence do you need than the smell and calibur of people visiting the home? Also, chances are the uncle had very nasty sores on him because the cookers actually look worse than the users. My sister has been on and off meth for years and she is now completely psychotic and brain-damaged as a result. I am sorry to say that it doesn't matter what we do in this country, whether we legalize things or not, the war on drugs is a war we will lose each and every time. I am usually an optimist, but this doesn't change. I hope this little girl makes it and I hope that if she does she is not brain damaged or worse. May God's hand rest on this poor girl's soul.

I heard on tonight's program that Citi Bank was in deep financial trouble. I have my home mortgage through Citi Mortgage. Do I have anything to worry about? Is my monthly mortgage payment actually being used to reduce the amount I owe on my home?

I can go along with the manufacturing charge, and reckless endangerment, but his action do not meet the common-law definition of assault. Statutory definitions of assault in the various jurisdictions throughout the United States are not substantially different from the common-law definition. Intent is an essential element of assault In tort law that this crime fails to meet. Mr Tubbs is just stupid, not hostile.
Lets face it with 6 possible manufacturing charges hanging over him, he has his plate pretty full of woe.

Anna Marie I don't think you've ever seen a meth lab based on what you've written. It's quite obvious when someone has a meth lab running out of their house. Too much equipment to hide. The parents must've known yet allowed their daughter to be around it. Shame on them.

It's often not a choice for people who need to feed their families anymore.

Making drugs is a RESULT of the uneven distribution of wealth and lack of opportunities available to the citizens of this country.

The poor little girl is a victim of a society where her cousin probably had no opportunity to do anything else with his life.

Personally, I think that we need to have more drug rehabilitation programs that drug users can go to and receive humane and free treatment. Most addicts are not happy being addicts, they would love to quit but don't know where to turn or don't have the money. Sure, we have some free programs, but they are usually filled with court ordered individuals who have committed crimes and sometimes put the addicts through very inhumane withdrawals and have long waiting lists. If we could put more free inhouse rehabs all over the country where people could just walk in and not have to wait for treatment, I think we would see alot more people quitting. Addiction is a disease, not a choice, after the first couple of times of using a drug a person's brain changes and it becomes a disease. Sure, the idea is not to use in the first place, but if they do, they need help, period.

Well at least the cousin is "upset" that he has inflicted this on his cousin. He is a walking piece of trash who was running "at least" 6 meth labs AND NOBODY KNEW?--–PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is time to take out the trash.
Some of the comments above make sense–spend the money on girl not on criminal–but I don't know how to punish him. Death penalty gives him an easy out–make him suffer if he did it (and the article seems to paint that picture) no special consideration, no weepy calls for rehabilitation–one meth lab MAYBE could be rehabilitated–but SIX+ PLEASE!
And the comments implying that Bush caused this and Obama will fix it are absurd to the point of stupid.
Pray for mercy for the girl and justice for cousin.

The pain she feels. Everyday, every hour, every minute. The confusion in her mind. What did I do mommy?

That's the part that kills me. And yes, I'd kill him if that were some real choice. There are real low lifes everywhere you turn these days. I am getting tired of watching out for them.

I hope she can make it with some quality of life and that the uncle can have the least quality of life possible.

The prospect of going to jail has no effect on meth lab operators. Lock one up there are plenty to fill the gap. Not when there's tons of money to be made selling it. Police enforcement is just a business risk, culling the duller meth lab operators.

The girl died because of a lab safety issue. The lab operator wasn't using proper equipment, and the contents weren't properly indicated.

All this goes away by legalizing meth. License labs that operate properly, and require lab inspections and product testing. Provide a legitimate market however one must, by dispensing it through clinics if need be. A legitimate, safe supply will reduce the cost and create a safe, reliable source, so that bathtub labs have neither profit nor customers to keep going.

Seems a lot better than throwing operators into jail over and over again and ignoring the fact that people keep demanding the stuff.

End the drug war! People need education, not more laws. Prohibition never works. If meth was controlled and regulated by the government through programs to help addicts, they could get it cheaper from them than the dealers making this crap in their basements, ending demand and dangers like these.

With a family like that, the little girl probably would've grown up to be a meth addict anyway. Que sera sera

My prayers our with the little girl and her family.Some of us for get about the importance to keeps drugs out of our system until something like this happens. Someone in this family knew about it and just as long as the money was good it was alright but then.Who pays the cost.

this is so sad i mean she trust these people and they are there to watch her and make sure she is safe and this happens i have a 2 year old i would die if anything would happen to him it is just wrong so wrong

Okay are any of you from the South? In rural areas, kids will be kids. They play, walk and run around in the woods, down the road etc. While some of you may find this stupid. Some won't. This little girl was being a kid playing in & around her family's property. My understanding is that the uncle lived nearby. She was thirsty and and drank from a bottle she thought was soda. I can't believe some of you have never done this. Kids put toys..stuff off the ground and everything in their mouths. Geez. Now I do find it hard to believe the family didn't know the uncle was in the Meth business. In rural, small areas, people know people's business. They know their neighbors, they know their family members, they know the ones that are always in trouble. But the is in now way that little girl's fault. She was an innocent kid wanting a drink of soda and the stupid uncles fault for doing such a thing. Also in Tennessee, not sure about Alabama, there is a law on the cold meds that you can buy to make meth, but people can always find ways around getting them. It is a sad revelation!

Where should I start? Oh yea! Maybe instead of fighting the criminals over and over we should execute them. Now you have probably heard this in a humorous context or just thought here is another wacko making outrageous comments, but I speak with all austerity.
Lawmakers are sheltered, don't live in crime-ridden communities, and are removed from the rest of society (at least that's how I see some of them.) I don't live a community that is run my criminals, but I know people who teach in such areas and they (criminals) are the barrier that prevents many children from getting a good education. But they care no more about the subject of education than the lawmakers- all they need to do is make excuses why kids fail or drop out of school. GET REAL (and TOUGH) AMERICA.

GF in LA, why don't you feel bad for an 11 year old kid, who like many other children her age, drinks soda-juice. She's an innocent victim in the awful world of drugs and the destruction they cause our society. Whether you live in the hills, the vally or the hood, your or someone you know will be affected by the illegal use of drugs.

I pray this little girl pulls through-one of many hurdles she will have to endure.

Poor kid. Stuff like this happens everyday and goes unreported. The police have their hands tied. They can only arrest these people. Judges/juries hand out slaps on the wrist. The justice system will never be perfect. In the case of fabricating lethal drugs, there should be mandatory minimum sentences.

This is a true tragedy!

Another fine example of how the War On Drugs created a bigger problem than the one it was intended to defeat. With the increase difficulty in obtaining safer drugs deemed illegal. The drug users and mostly the drug dealers turn to drugs they can make cheap and easy.

Much like during prohibition. When liquor was outlawed people turned to home brews. Often times with deadly results.

Stop wasting lives and money on the lie of the war on drugs.

If people would learn other ways of entertaining themselvs instead of puffing or snorting themselves to oblivion, we wouldn't have a drug problem.

Illegal drugs will always be around because of the demand for them. They even have legal addicting drugs to combat the addiction of the illegal ones. Lots and lots of ruined lives, and neighborhoods because of illegal drugs.

Everyone's so depressed, so sad, life is so bad-they just got to have that dope. And this has nothing to do with the economy.

Justice, Justice, Justice, People love to use that word! Thier is no justice for drug dealers or manufacturers. They arrest them give them 1 year and let them go, That is why we have every other household making meth! The only way you are going to get this under control is by making distribution and manufacturering of a dangerous drug a death penelty offence. when you look at the whole situation, drug dealers are a blyte on human civilizations. Anyway, What good does it do to send them to prison, They serve thier time because it is so little then they get out and start making it again . If you start , Shall we say, liquidating the cause, the other drug makers might get the message and stop, or leave the country. Anyway you look at it, We win?

I personally agree with "eye for an eye" justice and a legalizing some drugs, like marijuana, but there stands in our way one document.
It's called THE CONSTITUTION people.
While we may be able to constitutionally legalize some drugs (as we have done with alcohol and tobacco), "Cruel and Unusual Punishment" has been fairly clearly identified by our highest courts and our corrupt politicians and corporations stand behind The Constitution like a shield.
Thomas Jefferson said it best "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants"

I just want to express my sympathy for the little girl. My prayers are with you and your family.

I can't believe that someone could take a terrible tragedy like this and find a way to play the race card. We have a black president. I believe the American people have spoken. Drop the race issue already. A little girl is clinging to life and you twist it into a black/white issue. Absolutely absurd and pathetic.

It's time to start putting a bounty on illegal drug dealers & makers
when caught they should be pumped with the garbage they make & sell.
Not enough to kill them but to put them in a condition like the innocent little girl. Maybe then they'ed care .

My prayers are with the family of the little girl. I am so sorry.
I dont understand how people can do things that would hurt a child. I cant even imagine what you are going thru. Just keep parying . God has a plan for this little girl, we may not know what it is or understand it, but just dont loose faith. Stay strong if not for yourself, for her..
lots of thoughts and prayers

i agree with the article the meth problem is getting out of hand My prayers are with the little girl and her family the uncle should not be allowed back on the streets i am very proud of our law enforcement for fighting the problem everyday putting their life on the line to try to rid us of this mence and keeping off the streets god bless them for this.

If we start executing these dirtbags, we will begin to thin the herd!! The war on drugs is a joke! Line them up with the pedophiles and END this legal crap. There are NO Dead Repeat Offenders!!!

The idiots that buy these drugs need to STOP! No demand, no sale, no profit. There should be no more hand holding and sympathy for druggies. Life is tough. Have the guts to deal with it straight and sober! There are people on this planet that have tough lives and they don't destroy their lives and others with drugs. It can be done!

DEALERS and MAKERS should be locked up and Throw away the key! REHAB is Desperately needed for the thousands of young people who have already become addicted to this Horrible drug.
These people are trying it under the impression that they'll get high and then go on their way. It does Not happen like that. Once you do it, there is no turning back. You have to have it to get out of the bed. This is by far the Most Dangerous drug Ever. College students by the thousands are addicted and so many would do anything to get help. Just read some of their stories. They are desperate to quit but can't. I personally know of one, she likes 2 classes in college to have her Masters in accounting, is a straight A student, but can't find the time and money for both school and the drug so the drug has to come first. She can quit on her own but that requires, going cold turkey and sleeping for 2-3 weeks. Who's gonna pay the bills? They have to work.
Please people, lets get these kids who want help some help. A normal family just simply cannot afford to pay the tens of thousands it takes for these elaborate rehabs. The Government needs to get off their big marijuana kick and start putting some $'s where there is a Real problem, these killer drugs, METH.

Drugs are heinous. But the war on drugs is worse. If drugs were legalized, this kind of thing would not occur.

such a tradgey that this happened. what this country needs is harsher penalties with drug related offenses. District Attorneys are too linent with making plea deals than seeing justice done. Also a tougher program so drug offenders do not repeat the same crime.

annmarie I couldn't agree with you more on all of your points...especially , the fact that no matter what you tell your kids, they sometimes just do things out of either curiosity or without thinking...its part of being a kid...

As I read some of these comments, it makes me wonder (and worry) about the future of our country. Honestly, CNN & all the rest of the media should do away with these comment features. If the fact that it shows that 3/4 of the posters can't spell or use correct grammar isn't bad enough (what an indictment of our educational system), it also shows what non-thinking and calloused nitwits many of the posters are.

Maybe we COULD institute the eye for an eye law if there were no liberals. i am SO sick of hearing about them. though i must agree that something EXTREMELY drastic must be done about the energy crisis, pollution, and global warming, if it's not already too late.

To refer to the "eye for an eye" case:

Sentence the uncle to drink the exact same bottle of acid that little girl did – manslaughter, my butt. There is no excuse for what happened here – NONE. What a tragedy.

Ok people, Don't you think it's about time to get our streets, nieghborhoods and lives back from these thugs? How long are you going to keep you heads in the sand while this keeps going on around you? You can't tell me that you couldn't smell or see this going on. I really feel for this little girl. It's really too bad it happened but what do you expect.

yrsanderson cooper is one the best news ancor in the united states he belives in keeping them honest-he done a wonderful job at the coal mines in wva when the coal miners fate when final word came they were dead except barley made it out alive -anderson cooper was broken in side -i watched it all & i will never forget thats when anderson cooper became of the best news casters -iwatch him ever since -i.m a elderly lady 69yrs young and cooper is always top on my list im sure they are lot good new casters also arica hill is another one of my faviorit may god bless & be with them is my prayers of love forever thanks to you all TRULA MCCLURE CINCIN oh

The drug companies make too much money to allow the chemicals used to make meth completely illegal. I don't believe they want people to die, I just think they care more about money as if that was any better...

this is CLEARLY the cousins fault..who leaves a bottle of acid sitting around. if he really needs to make a meth lab..hide the bottle!!!..there's a young child in the house .. uh have common sense !

Parent are responsible for there children untill they are 18, mom or dad you should be ashamed of your self. I was bought up with a alcoholic dad who had a lot of drunk rampages and we all were a scared of our dad. When I got married and had my two children I made sure I always know were my kids are and who there with. My husband family and my family have a lot of alcohol and drug issues , and I never let any one of them watch my children( there was a lot of fight of couse ,cause of it), today my children are very happy, alter servers,play sports, and were a very close family. my children are in a drug free,alcohol free environment. thank you jesus for showing me how to live the good life.

All I have to say is I will pray for this little girl. I hope others will learn from this (probably wont).

This story is tragic. And preventable. One of the many side effects of the war on drugs.

If drugs were legal, they would be produced in facilities with quality control and quality ingredients. Not like today.

I'm not for drugs, not at all, I don't even smoke or drink, but people are going to use them and they deserve better than the dangerous stuff made today. Plus, if the profit motive were removed there would be less production and less use.

i feel bad for the girl but everybody has acid already in their stomachs ppl are makin a big deal out of it even saliva is acid

Hope the police shut that down and lock em up ! That was horrible and a sad tragedy ! They're selling Black Tar in a tablet to kids for $2.00 ? It ends life !

I hope the little girls gets better and I hope her cousin rots in jail for a very long time. Meth dealers are probably the lowest scum on earth they watch what they do to their "customers" on a daily basis and just sit there a pump out more w/ no remorse that they are not only KILLING the addict but probably ruining the lives of everyone associated w/ that addict. And to the people who want to know where her parents were let it go. My dad sold drugs in his misguided youth no one, not his first wife, not his family members No one had any idea that he was doing it. If you want to conceal something you can. Since in this report it states nothing about her parents (which I feel is very poor reporting by the journalist, being a journalist he should be well aware that the first thing out of people's mouths are going to be where were her mom and dad) we can't judge them.

There is no real punishment for drug dealers in this country. The cruel and unusual clause is way too generous.

Our government has no backbone to punish criminals so the innocent suffers. Crime of all kinds is rampant in the US because there is no punishment. From the mega billion criminals to the backyard meth maker, to the baby and child killers and the rapists, they will all get off with no suffering of their own.

There will be no end to the suffering from criminal activity in the US until criminals are punished. Putting people in kennels in not punishment.

It's hard to feel sorry for any of these people.

Yes they should be put in jail but that alone will not get rid of the problem. The problem is spiritual. We are living in a world that is spiritually bankrupt, people don't have any reason for living so they try to escape through drugs and alcohol and pornography and things like that. Unless we turn to the Creator God we will destroy ourselves.

If marijuana were legally available, would this guy be making toxic meth in his trailer?

Would people still take this toxic cocktail that causes permanent brain damage and psychosis, rotten teeth, etc. etc. if they could have access to natural herb?

Just sayin...

:,(

seriously??? an article about a young girl clinging to life and 'if' she survives will never be able to taste food or drink again and someone wants to cretique for TYPOS?!?!?!

what is this world coming to that people are so desensitized to the story being read and pay more attention to typos?

Heaven help us all. I am a retired special ed teacher and grandmother of 5. What has happened to our country? Believe me, I will stay on top of mine! I am not naive, but I believe in love and prayer, which surround mine day and night! Let's all pull together, whatever that means. Love them, take care of them, help them. Family is the name of the game, and, hopefully, there will be something left over for others. Others, Lord, yes others. For such a prosperous country, we HURT REALLY BADLY! Where can we help one another?

I sometimes wonder if I should go back to work...not for money, but as a volunteer. I am over 65 and retired. Children in sad situations is nothing new.

Hey, people, we're talking about trailer trash here; what the heck do you expect? Nobody should be surprised for there are far too many troglodytes in our midst these days. The state should be allowed to legally operate a firing squad. That would get rid of the vermin.

For you people trying to blame meth on the US govenment, perhaps you should read something about it first. This is from WIkipedia:

History
Methamphetamine was first synthesized from ephedrine in Japan in 1894 by chemist Nagayoshi Nagai.[4] In 1919, crystallized methamphetamine was synthesized by Akira Ogata via reduction of ephedrine using red phosphorus and iodine.

World War II
One of the earliest uses of methamphetamine was during World War II when the German military dispensed it under the trade name Pervitin.[5] It was widely distributed across rank and division, from elite forces to tank crews and aircraft personnel. Chocolates dosed with methamphetamine were known as Fliegerschokolade ("flyer's chocolate") when given to pilots, or Panzerschokolade ("tanker's chocolate") when given to tank crews. From 1942 until his death in 1945, Adolf Hitler may have been given intravenous injections of methamphetamine by his personal physician Theodor Morell as a treatment for depression and fatigue. It is possible that it was used to treat Hitler's speculated Parkinson's disease, or that his Parkinson-like symptoms which developed from 1940 onwards were related to use of methamphetamine.[6]

It is really sickening how low and stupid with no regard to people around then encluding the children which are the ones that suffer the most would become so involved and the destruction to the family and the inviroment.

Ok, Meh82 you say that if drugs were legal this would not have happened...I beg to differ. Oh, yes it most definitely could and more than likely would. And would you really want this horrific drug legalized and unleashed on the American public?

Wow, there are some shockingly ignorant and misinformed comments on here. It shouldn't still shock me that my fellow citizens are wallowing in their own ignorance like swine in filth, but it somehow still manages to.

You people need to understand that this problem would not exist WITHOUT the War on (Some) Drugs. Without the black market that the Wo(S)D creates, you wouldn't have nearly as many hillbillies making this toxic garbage out of their trailers. Just look to the abolition of Prohibition in 1933 and the effect that had on the gangsters who were running bootleg liquor: it basically annihilated them. Sure, there were still gangsters out there (and there always will be), but they weren't making their money by running bootleg liquor. That part of their business was done. Kaput. Finished. Over.

If you want to destroy the black market for drugs and the crime and tragic accidents that come with it - like what happened to the poor kid in this story - then support the cessation of the senseless War on (Some) Drugs. It really is that simple, people.

And that's only the crime aspect of why this senseless "war" should be ended. There are many, many other good reasons, but this isn't the time for them.

The world would be a better place if we just shot people like this idiot. Not saying this should NECESSARILY be a law, just...food for thought.

How can ANYONE BLAMEthe 11 yr old girl? Why should there be a METH LAB in her backyard anyway. I suppose she has to ask he MOM if the milk container and cookie jar is REALLY milk and cookies too?? NO that is absurd..
She shouldn'thave to ask if teh sprite bottle is safe, it SHOULD BE Sprite, NOT ACID.
It is a parent and a guardian ( the uncle) who is watching her to make sure she is safe in their presence.
How can these ppl endanger these children??
I cannot imagine the pain and suffering that child must have had to endure and perhaps even neglect-if her parents are involved in drug related activities.
I guess we ALL have to assume that a garage, shed, or whatever on someoen property is a meth lab now too... shame our police and some neighbors dont make a anonymous phone call once and while..maybe u will save a child... plus those places can go BOOM@!! u might even save your neighborhood.
Most of the Rx meds are still sold since ppl since need them-sudafed.
But you cannot purchase in large quanities. Shame we have t worry about stuff like this... My freedomof walking into a drug store like CVS and buying some sudafed really quick now becmes a long process... due to these idiots.

i dont know what rednecks have to do with any of this....i am offended you prejiduce person you dang this is why society is stuck where it is at because people like you are creating racial walls........

I think that it is funny really, and a good thing small price to pay too shut down a couple of meth labs. this girl was doomed anyways hanging out at a meth lab i mean come on like she had a chance anyways

most meth comes from small town america where most times the cops not only know whats going on but profit from it as well.

Um, what? All drugs were made by the government?

Ecstasy was created by a chemist in California(Alexander Shulgin). Cocaine comes from a plant that grows in South America (crack). LSD was invented by Albert Hoffman in Switzerland. Most hallucinogenic drugs occur naturally in plants. Quit drinking the kool aid and do some research before you made absurd claims.

First off it was a cousin who was living behind the family home in a camper trailer. Secondly, he has turned himself into authorities and was very upset when he found out what had happened.

As a firefighter/EMT one of the scariest things to me is coming up on a accident scene that might be a rolling meth lab or entering a house fire where a meth lab maybe operating. Just a few weeks ago we walked into a old shotgun style house that was full of smoke. I was first on scene and made entry into the residence. In the first room was a hotplate sitting on a table in the middle of the room. To say my heart skipped a beat is an understatement. The whole house was piled ceiling high with crap. Luckily for us it was not a meth lab but it made me realize just how dangerous it is going into the unknown. Fire is predictable, meth labs are not.

My heart felt prayers to this young lady and her family that is caring for her. If you want more info on her you can go to http://www.wkrg.com, this is the local news station for Mobile Alabama near where this happened.

Who is to blame here? The little girl innocently drank from a bottle she thought to be Sprite, and thus harmless. The uncle mindlessly put a dangerous acid in a soda bottle. We were all taught in school to make sure a bottle was labeled for what was actually in it. So the uncle is to blame for being negligent.

The deeper issue is the drug problem. He was supplying it to users. If it weren't for them, he might not have manufactured it, and she might not need to be fed through a IV for the rest of her life if she lives.

It is terrible that drugs have taken such a hold of this country. Children aren't even safe while out playing now because of idiots like this who don't think about the lives affected until it's someone close and dear to them. My ex-wife was addicted to meth (hopefully not anymore) and was awarded custody of our 5 year old daughter by the state of California, and everyday I worry that something like this could happen to my daughter. I agree that tougher laws need to be set for these loser dealers. And with a new baby on the way for me, a dealer that inadvertently was the cause of something like this happening to my child would be lucky to get sent to prison for life before I got ahold of him/her. My prayers are with this little girl and her family.

This IS a sad story. The thing is, addiction is such an enormous problem...EVERYWHERE and you'll always be able to read articles about how the law enforcement angencies want this problem to go away and how they swear they'll not rest until every drug manufacturer and dealer is off the streets and out of commision but the truth is this. There's BIG money in drugs and in the treatment of addiction. Even "Drug/Addiction Treatment" is a multi-billion dollar industry and who benefits from this? I'll tell you who; from the puny local law enforcement angencies right up to the government! As much as we would like to see the entire problem with drug manufacturing and sales, disappear, it is a money making entity that will be a part of humanity for the duration of our existence on earth. There's just too much money at stake. It's just very upsetting that this little girl's life will be forever altered, not only physically but mentally and emotionally for the rest of her life..."if she lives." Not just this poor little victim...millions and millions of innocent victims are in the path of the drug industry's destruction. If the goverment wanted to get rid of the drug problem, they would and I believe they could, But then they'd have to be broke like the rest of us and have to learn how to live without having their pockets get FAT! DAMN IT!

Lee Williams is so right and it's not just news. I read every night and the books I'm reading now are full of typos. These books come from the best houses and there was one I just could not read because it because there were 6 errors before page 33.

Lee Williams is so right and it's not just news. I read every night and the books I'm reading now are full of typos. These books come from the best houses and there was one I just could not read because it because there were 6 errors before page 33.

And these authors always say they have the best editors...

I think there should be no trial for this man. He should be shot as soon as possible.
If the US was really wanting to stop the drug problem they should listen to other countries.
Have no mercy when someone is caught with them, this would stop the killing and stealing of others.

The facts are: selfish desires, disrespect for God and family and a complete lack of brain cells have caused this accident. If half of these drug head idiots put forth a part of the energy they use in concealing, manufacturing and distributing their crap, they would probably make a better living for themselves doing something respectable. My family has been touched by drug use, almost lost a daughter to the crap. Trust in God, put forth some effort, become someone who is seeked by your family and friends for something other than a hookup.

Why does cnn.com have so many typos? What a shame.

Lee Williams- I believe you mis-read the statement

It is absolutely the parents who are to blame!! There is no way that they didn't know of the meth lab. These people can't hardly function let alone hide a meth lab!! The parents are probably on meth too. Sad, sad. If you want to ruin your own life then so be it. You do not have the right to ruin a minor childs life!! She should never have been put in this situation at all. The really sad part, if this did not happen to the girl, what would her life have ended up like? She probably would have been an addict anyway. Or hurt eventually by a drug deal gone bad, a shoot out with the police etc.

If drugs were legal no one would have to make in their barn. No Profit, no problem.

my prayers goes to the poor girl wish her best recovery yes the 42 year old cousin did not mean to hurt her but look what meth is doing
it is destroying familes communities etc
meth is far worst than crack cocaine weed ecstacy all put together
STAY AWAY FROM THAT TOXIC GARBAGE it is the devil's drug !
SAY NO TO ALL DRUGS ESPECIALLY METH !
is there anyhting we the public and law enforcement can do to STOP THIS ????

Why does CNN allow comments from hackneyed writers who are not even on point and infused with unjustified vitriol? Perhaps some comment moderation would be a good idea...

Folks – for the third time, it's Drug Enforcement Administration, not Drug Enforcement Agency. Please post this comment.

If the government would stop spending money on marijuana, they would be able to direct all of their resources toward the bad drugs

No one in Alabama wants a "soda pop"... that term is not used in the South.

How on earth can anyone not have sympathy for the child in this situation?? She is the innocent one who is suffering.

i cant believe some of the comments left on here! racism?? World WarII?? this is supposed to be about the little 11 year-old girl who now has to live with a feeding tube through her!! ya i agree that her parents shouldnt have had her daughter around that kind of enviroment. .where were her parents or any other family?? that poor little girl will have to grow up thinking that nobody protected her. i will keep her in my prayers.......

I am an recovering Alcoholic. I have abused drugs. And I thought then I'd never touch nothing I believed I couldn't "Handle". Meth is one thing I steered clear of–as well as a host of other Psycho-inducing drugs. Even after 20 years of being "Clear" I purposefully have to avoid the whole thing, but I have kept up with developments in the Drug Culture. And all I've seen & heard Meth is Badd (Capitol B, double D!). Too many kids tripping on their egos. Been told they're the greatest and they can handle anything or as Anna Marie says, they been told not to do it and they'll take it as a challenge. Maybe too they trying to impress their peer group....They need a change of scene and fine tune their thought processes or they going down. The Hard Way. And who else they be taking with them?
I won't even smoke weed now 'cause way back when they started adding other things to it to get a Higher High. Some of the Crap that was used messed me up- Bad... So legalization as a lot of people yearn for just ain't going to repectably happen. Folks just can't let a good thing be. I can't drink even a single beer with a friend; take communion (and that is a bad thing when it touches your religion...
My prayers are with this 11 year old and her Family.

As well as anyone else who decides to tinker with the dark side...

The little girl might not have had anything to eat, if her folks weren't cooking meth

We are talking about a little girl's life here and someone is commenting on the typos! Are you serious? Here's one for ya "who caresss." My thoughts and prayers are with the little girl. No amount of punishment is justice for this crime.

I truly feel bad for the little girl it is a horrible accident. While I hope the lab owner does a long term in prison the solution to the drug problem is legalization. Which will never happen as the Police make so much money from the Search and Seizure laws. I think local ppolice get 80% and Federal get 20% of dealer assests.

If drugs were leaglized it would stop illegal manufacture. The prohibition of alcohol did not work and niether does prohibition of Drugs. You want to stop violence, crime, reduce prison populations and stop under groundlabs? Legalize and tax it.

It’s a tragic story. It’s also sorely in need of a good writer or editor. How do glaring spelling and grammar mistakes make it onto CNN.com so often?

This is precisely why all drugs should be immediately legalized, legitimized, and taxed. When "drugs" are sold in stores, the quality will be higher, production will be safer, and the power will no longer be in the hands of retarded street level drug dealer thugs.

Importantly, the stigma of use will no longer make people "hip" – instead, addicts will have nobody to blame but themselves, and they'll be considered the dirty fools they are.

Why doesn't Amsterdam have problems with crystal meth and crack? Because they can get ahold of marijuana, the God given blessing and medicine that is illegal in the states!! People are resorting to the things that are more undetectable to avoid getting caught! Eradication is not working nor will it ever work! Let's try it the other way for awhile to see how many hard drug addicts we could wean off of their drugs, not to mention the trillions of dollars taken away from the drug gangs!! How much crime stopped when we repealed prohibition?? A LOT!!!!!

and yet you can still legally be prescibed myth just google it and check any pdr it's in there.