One of my more recent posts was about the indisputably absurd fear-mongering that goes into anti-drug tactics, largely propigated by our government. I took great pains to remain neither pro, nor anti-drug in the writing, preferring instead to expose the lunatic hysteria that demonizes certain drugs, while exposing the profiteering of 'legal' drugs, like anti-depressants, and anything from Big Pharma, whose commercials run second only to car commercials in the United States.
Still, a response I got from none other than my mother, stated: 'What's up with that? Sounds like you're pro-drug? Get your head on straight.' Firstly, dispense the sermonizing and read the article. It's clearly not advocating buying meth and rock cocaine and going on benders. Who writes this kind of thing? Someone for whom drugs are public enemy numero uno, but for whom a glass of wine, an SSRI, and trips to the pharmacists are standard. My point is to make the distinction clear, but, you can't change people's opinions. A shame, since I've done considerable reading on the subject, and feel clearly vindicated. Logical reasoning remains no match for emotional, irrational patter.
Here's my response to her, via email.
A more measured response: I believe that drugs have become the single-scariest thing for Middle Americans. If you read my post, you'll notice the pains I took to ensure parity on the issue. To quote 'I am not for or against drugs.' I am pro-common sense, and more people are killed by over the counter pain medication than illegal narcotics, it's time to re-think our approach to substance use. That I still have to defend my choices is funny to me, even funnier that I should have to defend something I wrote, which, at heart, is how insanely stupid those anti-drug commercials are. You're on anti-depressants. A book I just read, entitled Comfortably Numb, talks about the deviousness of the drug companies that, while they've helped many, have also marketed unscrupulously to others who've been damaged by their products. Meanwhile, marijuana will get you imprisoned. If you don't cry foul on that, may I say in all seriousness that it's not my head that needs to be put on straight. That's a really lame thing to say. Baseless, and unimaginative.
Whatever, though. It's clear that your judgments are your own, and it's useless to change them. Get educated on the subjects before you expound. You dealt with a tragic history of family drug-ABUSE, not casual use. Clearly, there is a difference. My point is that, for the overwhelming majority of your peers, recreational use didn't lead to ruined lives, so get beyond the Nancy Reagan 'Just Say No', and think for yourself, minus the fear and hysteria that's warped your better, more rational judgements.
Another thing that SERIOUSLY pisses me off, is Baby Boomer sanctimoniousness: We did it, we survived and even flourished, but...Don't you ever touch the stuff, it'll ruin your lives! Ahhhh, the boogy-man's under the bed, again. Somebody better summon the Drug Czar! When the Boomers are crying because their arthritis won't allow them to get out of bed, and can't get medical marijuana to ease your pains, don't come crying to anybody else.
Use those things that improve your lives, and leave the rest. Be responsible, and intelligently informed on what chemicals do to your bodies and brains. Then, if you have a shred of humor left, laugh at the silliness of so much needless propaganda.
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