Pubdate: Sun, 29 Apr 2001
Source: Fresno Bee, The (CA)
Copyright: 2001 The Fresno Bee
Contact:  http://www.fresnobee.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/161
Author: Jeff Beck
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

'NO METH EPIDEMIC'

I strongly object to the current "meth epidemic" philosophy. I am irritated 
when our state politicians make comments like "if this was measles or pox, 
people would take notice." This is not a disease and not a medical 
emergency. Drug use is not a disease, it is a disturbing social trend.

There is no meth epidemic. There are simply increasing numbers of people 
who have disregarded their sense of responsibility to their community and 
themselves.

I contend these are not good people who deserve our pity or compassion, 
because some black cloud of misfortune has settled on them. Rather, these 
are people who have consciously chosen a direction of apathy at some 
crossroad in their lives.

Whether you smoke or shoot up in some back alley, or even drink seven Long 
Island Ice Teas on Saint Patty's Day, you've made the conscious decision, 
"I don't care."

The fact that people disregard the eventual consequences of their 
lifestyles, then beg for handouts when the chips are down, is an insult to 
all responsible hard-working citizens.

Jeff Beck, Fresno
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D