Pubdate: Fri, 21 Dec 2007
Source: Times, The (Tigard, OR)
Copyright: 2007 Pamplin Media Group
Contact:  http://www.tigardtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4636
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n1467/a06.html
Author: Todd Bradish

ANSWER FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSERS IS QUARANTINE

Although I agree with Greg Francisco ("Stop getting tough on drugs, 
get smart," Valley Times, Dec. 13) that cigarettes arguably kill more 
Americans than all other drugs combined, his comparison of nicotine 
use to alcohol, heroin, methamphetamine or other such substances 
shows the weakness of his entire argument. Tobacco is a legal 
substance for adults to purchase and ingest. Tobacco does not impair 
one's ability to drive or think clearly, nor do nicotine addicts rob, 
steal, burglarize or murder to support their nicotine habit.

Apparently what Mr. Francisco fails to grasp is that most of us don't 
care about what type of substance anyone ingests as long as it has no 
impact on us. The problem with substance abuse and addiction is that 
abusers and addicts behave in ways that put me and my property at 
risk. That's where I draw the line.

If someone wants to drink himself or herself into oblivion, fine, 
just stay in your own home and off the roads so you don't harm anyone 
or damage property.

If you choose self-destruction by sticking the needle in your arm or 
pipe in your mouth, I don't care. However, when you harm the innocent 
or steal property to support your suicidal behavior, you have become 
a danger to civilized society and need to be removed from it.

If that consequence seems too harsh to the bleeding hearts who are 
seemingly in the business of manufacturing pathetic excuses for this 
anti-social behavior, boo-hoo.

There are countless private and taxpayer-funded programs available to 
addicts who show a desire to clean themselves up. Many take advantage 
of those programs, most don't.

Mr. Francisco may be correct when he claims that all drug addiction 
is a "medical problem." What he fails to appreciate is that the 
behavior of those affected by the "disease" sometimes impacts the 
lives of innocent people with fatal consequences.

Therefore, I support quarantine.

TODD BRADISH

Tualatin
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