Pubdate: Wed, 8 Aug 2001
Source: Rock River Times (IL)
Copyright: The Rock River Times 2001
Contact:  http://www.rockrivertimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/539
Author:  Chris Buors
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1473/a11.html

RESP0NSE #1 TO THE DRUG WAR OPED

Dear Editor:

Letter writer M. L.Simon was very informative as far as the facts of heroin 
go. Addiction, however, is a different matter. The theory of addiction has 
never been proven. Addictions are the latest in a long line of 
destroyer-of-will theories. Addictions are stigmatizing terms that are 
culturally conditioned. Addictions are, in fact, medicalized-sounding 
morals. Lust for pleasurable experiences and gluttony - some people just 
don't know when to quit. Two of the seven deadly sins that explained the 
same behavior when religion and state ruled the world.

Since Jefferson separated church and state mankind has simply learned to do 
its moralizing in medical terms. The doctors have replaced the priests on 
the pedestal of esteem formerly reserved for the church by force of law. 
Welcome to the therapeutic state.

Letter writer M.L. Simon's letter alluded to the suffering of the poor 
souls that resort to heroin to deal with whatever internal demons torment 
them. The 'treatment' professional for pained souls is a soul doctor. There 
is nothing a medical practitioner can do for someone who through free will 
wants to do heroin.

It is not the duty of the state to  save people from themselves. If a man 
wants to eat poison, it is of no concern to legitimate government. Restore 
our natural right to drugs, all of them. It is a right mankind has owned 
since time began. There is a third option in the drug debate: you could 
just leave the sinners alone.

"The care of every man's soul belongs to himself. But what if he neglect 
the care of it? Well, what if he neglect the care of his health or his 
estate, which more nearly relate to the state? Will the magistrate make a 
law that he be not poor or sick? Laws provide against injury from others; 
but not from ourselves. God himself will not save men against their wills. 
- - Thomas Jefferson.

Chris Buors
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