posted on July 14, 2008 08:38:26 AM new
This is off topic so be prepared.
A lady I know had a friend who was a heroin addict. A year ago he purchased heroin from a seller. The drugs were bad and he died. That's quite sad and I feel bad for her and him.
However, the addict is being protrayed as a victim. The seller is being charged with manslaughter. I have no problem with that. She was selling an illegal drug...someone perished due to her actions and she should go to jail. But the addict in my opinion is not a victim. He had all kinds of options. His family and friends wanted to help him kick his habit. He could have gone to any one of numerous clinics and get on a methadone program. He choose to do none of these. He chose to remain an addict. This was his choice. He chose to purchase an illegal substance to inject into his veins and at that point he "paid his money...and took his chances."
This business of everyone is a victim...no one is responsible for their own actions is one of the most ridiculous ideas I have ever seen in this country. I'm 56 so maybe I'm old and out of the mainstream but my parents raised me to accept responsibility for my own actions and never to see myself as a victim. I have raised my own children this way and my grandchildren have this ingrained into them as well.
What happened?? When did we all become victims and no longer responsible for our own actions?? Maybe the ACLU could help me with this question.
posted on July 14, 2008 08:48:42 AM new
The state does this to increase penalties for drug dealing. It's a multi-billion dollar business (not just the drug business itself, but the lawyers, judges, jailers, probation officers, jail builders, and policemen involved in this losing battle).
If a liquor company put poison in its product, would someone who drank once a year be a victim if he died? Would an alcoholic? Just curious.
posted on July 14, 2008 09:09:49 AM new
PS I re-read my post, and thought that it sounded snarky. It wasn't my intention. The problem I was trying to get at is "where do you draw the line?"
posted on July 14, 2008 09:22:13 AM new
It is hard to draw a line, I would never want to draw it. What about overeaters, lazy people? People with addictions are sometimes victims (some, maybe not). I doubt alot of them would choose that lifestyle if they had the proper equipment to help deal with the addiction, etc...
posted on July 14, 2008 09:52:40 AM new
Alcohol is bad too,but society allows excessive drinking through bars and liquor stores and social drinking in business gatherings,wedding,parties.
When I was in New Orleans ,bars would offer free drinks to lady after 10:30 pm.
*
Gulag-a Soviet era concentration camp is now reincarnated as EBAY.
