Recently, the problem of so many people overdosing on opioid substances resulting in some ending their lives, some ending in prison has crept into the mainstream with the department of Health and Human Services declaring it as a public health emergency.
“Opioid substances, including commonly prescribed prescription painkillers such as oxycodone and synthetic substances such as fentanyl, claimed 59,000 lives in 2016.” [1]
In the mid 80’s drug overdoses were taking lives as crack cocaine became known, still being used today.
In the 60-70s it was Marijuana, still being misused today.
The common idea of locking them up and banning the drug was the proposed solution. Now thousands are in prison for the crime of possession. Has it worked? Obviously not as the crisis has just morphed into using different drugs and getting them illegally. But why do the young do it? Why do they desire to consume a substance that will possibly knock them unconscious? Why? Are they aware of the consequences? Do they even care? Is it just thought of as going on a drunken high, and waking up with only a headache? Have they started out with only a high the first time. “Wow that feels good.” Then soon again seeking that same feeling of extreme joy, but then the just one pill has required 3 or 4 to get the same effect and soon they’re hooked. “More, I need another, please, it’s not working.”
Why? Why do we seek these ‘highs”?
Is it the desire for continual joy, happiness?
Marijuana is grown as a plant, a green leafy item having its own healing qualities built in, designed by the Creator as a benefit to mankind. When and who discovered its usage.
One day, thousands of years ago a guy was out picking the veggies for dinner; potatoes, corn, a head of lettuce, tomatoes and beheading a chicken to roast over an open fire, when he saw an unfamiliar plant growing along the hillside. Humm? He picks it, fingers it, licks it, tastes good. So, he gathers a bunch to add to the night’s dinner. They all enjoy it and feel pretty good, so the item becomes a regular part of the diet. But soon the hard-working youngster devour more and more of it resulting in physical fits thrashing about and he dies. The tribe leader pulls the tribe together telling them all that they’ve got to use wisdom when consuming this plant. Your diet is best when varied. Yes, it does relieve that back pain but use it sparingly. But the advice is ignored, so the next step is to ban the leafy plant from being harvested, but the young sneak out and get bunches anyway.
How do we avoid that part of our inherited nature?
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7
“Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed are those who heed wisdom’s instruction.” Proverbs 29:18
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matt 6:32.
The solution to the drug problem is not prisons, not the banning of the drug, but is in first things first. Treatment and rehabilitation of those afflicted instilling knowledge, understanding and wisdom.
]1] https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2017/10/26/lock-them-up-my-double-standard-in-responding-to-the-crack-crisis-vs-the-opioid-epidemic/?utm_term=.fcc20ab3c9b1
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Author: Arnold R. Kropp
About Mr. Arnold.
Back in the days when I was a kid growing up in south Chicago, freely roaming around the neighborhood was common, and just a part of life in the late '40s and early '50s. A train track was less than a mile away and a favorite place to walk along the rails. A large city park was a bit closer with areas of dense trees and areas of open grassy picnic grounds. A public golf course was just two blocks away, but the famed 4-lane busy Western avenue had to be crossed to get to it, and we crossed in the middle of the block running between the cars and trucks. We knew the risks. In the winters, we would climb that fence making our way to one of the ponds, we’d push and shovel away the snow and play a spontaneous game of hockey, or bring a sled and slide down the hillside ; no adults, no special padding, just a group of kids enjoying the contest.
Dad was at work. Mom was home tending to the laundry and preparing the family meal for promptly at 6 pm. Life was good. It was fun. Sunday mornings were dress up in suit and tie, polished shoes for Sunday school and the worship service, then to a restaurant.
Arnold went on to college immediately after high school, but could not find a subject, a major that was really up his alley, so he enlisted in the Army and served in Germany during the years the Berlin wall was built. Seeing what effects Soviet communism had on the people of East Germany left an impression on him. During those years, he would write many long letters home starting a desire to write more than just letters. Many years later Arnold developed a blog where he posted hundreds of articles on the political side of American life. Some of those are available in the collection named "Ramblings".
Today, Society is totally different from that of the '50s, a whole lot different.
Today, it has become scary to let the kids roam. Today it has become organized to the hilt with 2nd graders playing organized football. In my present relatively quiet neighborhood, I do see kids walking the streets, but there is a difference as the kids seem to be apprehensive and on guard or intently operating a telephone as they walk, not running after each other playing hide and seek.
Today, the above freedoms of the '50s are suspect and avoided as being dangerous activities. And that is sad. It's sad that today's kids do not have that freedom, and it may be having a direct effect on their development. Consider, one fact that is readily apparent today compared to yesterday; the preponderance of overweight and obese kids, even pre-school kids are heavier than we were, and this has to be affecting the rest of their daily lives. No doubt about it. But, I'd better hush, can't talk about those things.
Yes, in the '50s there were Semi-trucks, public transportation, murders, rape, robberies, house fires, sickness and diseases resulting in death, and yes, there were deadly vehicle accidents too. There was even poverty and homosexuals too. We went to public schools, and the high school was integrated. This was Chicago, but those events did not make the headlines, as news was only broadcast at 6pm and possibly 10pm nightcap. Days of the cold war kept us together as a nation. We saw the "Victory at Sea" war clips before the main feature at the theaters.
And now technology dominates life. A cell phone in every handy pocket posting selfies. A computer saving everything to one of those cumulous clouds. Room size TV’s broadcasting everything 24/7.
This is more information than I want.
Let me decide something.
I think. therefore, I am.
I was born a male, therefore I am.
I was born-again, therefore I am.
I have life within, therefore I am.
The news is not my guide.
The TV is not my Sheppard.
View all posts by Arnold R. Kropp
One Day at a Time 