October, 2003

Dear Friends, et al:

The banning of numerous herbs, by the U.S. Government, may become a reality. Recently, U.S. regulatory agencies have taken several herbs off the market or restricted their availability. The Dietary Supplement Safety Act of 2003, S.722, if passed, will further empower the FDA's authority to restrict dietary supplements, which will include herbs and oils. In the event of this law passing, a prescription may be required on any herb or supplement that is reported to have an adverse effect on even one person.If you are opposed to this pending statue, I urge you to contact your state representative by mail, to express your objection to S.722.

I invite you to stop by PoTO Books & Herbs Company, located at 3324 E. 7th Street, in Long Beach, and we will be happy to provide you with a written letter of protest, which you can then sign and mail, or fax to the co-author of this bill, Senator Dianne Feinstein. The other supporter of this bill is Senator Hilary Clinton. Both of these Senators are high-profile political figures, and would not be wasting their time on an issue they did not feel strongly about.

Canada has already been affected by very strong measures concerning herbal prohibition, and they have been forced to reclassify many of their common herbs, as drugs. These include: Mandrake, Mistletoe, Sassafras, Bloodroot, Chaparral, Coltsfoot, Gotu Kola, Comfrey, Kava Kava, and the list goes on and on. Ginger, Licorice, and Garlic, are some of the other herbs that are being considered for regulating!

The result of the reclassification of herbs and supplements in the U.S. will be felt by the producers, and, ultimately, the consumers, in the absorption of the F.D.A. costs. Whether you're using herbs for health, Magick, Ritual, aromatherapy, or the enjoyment of herb-crafting, your freedom to choose is in jeopardy now. Examine seriously, Bill S.722 and consider its consequences, if passed! Write to you state representative. Contact us if you need assistance.

Peter (PoTO)
Procurer of The Obscure
Metaphysical Books & Herbs Company
3324 E. 7th Street
Long Beach, CA 90804

562-438-4377

Office of Senator Dianne Feinstein
United States Senate
331 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington D.C. 20510-0504

Fax in D.C.: (202) 228-3954 / and in CA.: (415) 989-3242

Dear Senator Dianne Feinstein:

Please oppose any efforts by your fellow Senators to enact S.722, the "Dietary Supplement Safety Act of 2003" introduced by Senator Durbin.

The FDA should not have the authority to take away my dietary supplements and, once again, infringe upon my health freedom.

The FDA has already been given broad, legal authority to regulate all aspects of manufacturing, marketing and distributing dietary supplements. Rather than encouraging the FDA to start enforcing existing law, S.722 would grant the FDA new enforcement powers without any increase in the protections to consumers under the existing law. Despite its name, Senator Durbin's Bill is not about consumer safety.

Under Senator Durbin's Bill, the FDA would have enforcement powers that include expanded authority enabling them to remove from the market safe and healthful dietary supplements. This would completely undermine the primary goal of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA) to restrain the FDA's historical abuse of discretionary authority over dietary supplements. This is outrageous!

Even if just one report of an adverse experience occurring while taking a dietary supplement is received, even though it is not know to be causally related to the dietary supplement, the FDA will have the authority to start procedures ending the marketing of the ingredient under the Durbin Bill. All of these procedures are left entirely to the unbridled discretion and whim of the FDA.

I urge you to oppose this unnecessary legislation. Support the FDA, in enforcing the existing law, but please don't give them the authority to continually chip away at my health freedom.

I look forward to hearing back from you on your position.

Sincerely,