Pubdate: Sun, 18 Aug 2002
Source: Deseret News (UT)
Copyright: 2002 Universal Press Syndicate
Contact:  http://www.desnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/124
Author: Abigail Van Buren

Dear Abby

WE HURT NATION WITH OUR BEHAVIOR

Dear Abby: After a breakfast discussion about the obesity crisis in our 
nation, I saw the letter from "Worried in Rhode Island," the 14-year-old 
girl who is concerned about her friends who use alcohol and drugs. I've 
been thinking a lot lately about health and self-destructiveness. I see 
this as one of the major problems in our nation today.

All over the country, flags are hanging in front of thousands of homes 
signifying that we are united against the common enemy of terrorism. But I 
can't help remembering that profound line from the comic strip, "Pogo": "We 
have met the enemy, and it is us."

As we descend further and further down the slippery slope of addictions 
(which include not only alcohol, drugs and cigarettes, but shopping, 
gambling, overeating, sexual obsessions, and more), we are becoming a 
nation so harmful to itself that terrorists need only sit back and watch us 
self-destruct. How can we be truly strong and healthy as a nation when we 
are comprised of individuals who are not strong and healthy?

What can be done to institute a national campaign to strengthen ourselves 
as individuals with physical and emotional health? Of course, for younger 
people, we must use the public schools, but factual drug education and 
testimonials about harmful consequences have never been enough. We must 
discover WHY we hurt ourselves in these ways.

Seeking health and strength should be not only our personal goals, but 
would enable us to unify and defend against terrorists in a way that would 
do more good than simply waving the flag. - Agreeing with "Pogo"

Dear Agreeing: You're asking intelligent questions about very important 
issues. People usually engage in self-destructive behaviors because they 
are trying to avoid dealing with unpleasant emotions or situations - so 
they comfort themselves with substances or behaviors that when used to 
excess can be damaging.

The first step in conquering any addiction is to admit you have one. The 
next step is to seek professional help. Confronting our weaknesses is a 
sign of strength, and admitting you have them is nothing to be ashamed 
of-it's human.

[NON-DRUG POLICY RELATED REMAINDER OF COLUMN NOT ARCHIVED]

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, 
and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at 
www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. 
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MAP posted-by: Jackl