Sunday, February 12, 2012

Drug Store

"I don't know why they don't just legalize it."
"There'd be less congestion in the court system if they'd quit fighting it."
"Nobody OD'd on marijuana."
All valid arguments.
Yet it is still illegal in the United States.
Some states have exemptions for medical reasons.  Oh, who hasn't tried to work that angle and exploit it?
It's illegal because like most recreational drugs, they're destructive to society.
Or to keep it simpler...the same reasons why we don't sell alcohol (at least legally) to anyone under 21 years of age or tobacco to anyone under 18.
It's all about responsibility.
Crimes are committed with alcohol, yes.  But how many more are committed under the influence of controlled substances?
And much more violent.  The subculture that engages in the illegal drug trade is one fraught with peril.  Cash only, weapons are often involved.
If we legalize marijuana, then it sets a precedent for cocaine, heroin, and other such substances.
Why do we need such substances to begin with?  Is life that difficult to bear that we have to self-medicate time and time again?
And let's not forget that it hurts families...the ones who choose not to use.
A young couple exercising what they feel is their 'right' to live their lives the way they see fit.  Their house littered with bent, burnt spoons, used needles and dirty syringes, while a hungry baby cries from her crib upstairs, because Mommy traded her WIC check so she could push off.
Or maybe a working husband of above-average means who can't give his wife and children a plausible reason why the electricity was suddenly shut off.  Or who that shady-looking character was that he was speaking to in the driveway in the middle of the night.
Drugs kill people.  They hurt families.
If life hurts that much, and the drugs make the pain go away, here's a suggestion:
Overdose.
That way the pain goes away forever.  Makes sense, doesn't it?  And you've done society a favor.  I'll be the first to say thank you.
Too harsh?
Then get help.
Get it now.
And walk away from that life forever.

NOTE:  If you or someone you love is suffering from a substance abuse problem, and you are a Pennsylvania resident, click this link: 

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=14221&mode=2

NEXT WEEK:  Snow excuse

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