SURPRISE! SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS A DRUG ADDICT

The Foundation For A Drug Free World reports: "Every day in the US, 2,500 youth (12 to 17) abuse a prescription pain reliever for the first time. For years I have been baffled by the number of people I have encountered and befriended, who turn out to be addicted to narcotics. My best friend of over 20 years finally was compelled to tell me he too suffered from an addiction illness. Finding out after 20 years of being very close friends; I was faced with a dilemma. Do I cut all ties and run for the hills or do I stand by my friend in such a troubling time and risk the fallout that is sure to come from such a situation.

My friend is not the first person I have been close to who finds himself gripped by addiction illness. My brother and several 1st cousins are addicted to crack. I don't know if you have ever lived with a crack addict; but my brother was the worst example of a Black man on crack during my childhood. I have tried to forget about all the misery he caused our family; but now it seems every other person I meet is a narcotics addict. I don't have to tell you that I do not warm up to strangers very easily.

According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, teens who abuse prescription drugs are twice as likely to use alcohol, five times more likely to use marijuana, and twelve to twenty times more likely to use illegal street drugs such as heroin, Ecstasy and cocaine than teens who do not abuse prescription drugs.

While in college in the 80's I took a class called "Drugs and Behavior". Our professor brought a "crack rock" to class so that we can get an upclose look and yes smell of crack burning. Please note that the professor did not smoke the crack in class; he simply burned it so we would know what it smells like. While at home on break I smelled that same metallic chemical smell coming from my brothers room. I burst in and his bedroom floor was littered with empty beer cans and he was smoking crack. I could not wait to tell my parents who already knew about it and did not know what to do.

Since addiction is an illness of course sufferers need help; but what about the collateral damage to innocent bystanders like myself. We at first want to be compassionate but to people who don't have an addictive personality trait; we don't know where the line is between compassion and enabling. I know we will never wipe out narcotic drug use is this country; but what do we do with our "friends" in the meantime. My friend of 20 yrs is on his 3rd recovery attempt.

IS YOUTH WASTED ON THE YOUNG?

I'm sure I'm not the only person born around 1965 who is confused about what is
happening in pop culture and media. Older more established "stars" bring it even after 50. This has been proven by the likes of Robert Deniro, Danny Devito, Mel Brooks and even Dan Akroid has a new project; the list goes on. Why then are all auditions for everything for people under 30. Could you be serious? It's the older more settled performers who embody discipline and...wait for it...TALENT!

I'm going to fight kicking and screaming because I am 49 next month and have been vocally trained professionally  and my acting chops areon point. In the near future I will upload a series of videos on youtube showcasing my talents as no auditions
are open for a fossile like me.

Maybe some of you realize how our society looks at older people as only useful when they were young. Yes that is ludicrous because if you navigate life successfully for 40+
years you are the type I really want to see more of in pop culture. Here i'll state the obvious if you live long enough you too will be "old".
I'm open to any comments, critisizms and of course AUDITIONS!!!

SLAVERY VS. IMMIGRATION

I have said it many times before and I'll say it again;
I really do like our Latino brothers and sisters. I have
dated at least (2) in my lifetime and will again I'd imagine.
With that said; it does not make sense for illegal (undocumented)
immigrants to hold our cities and city halls hostage because
they want everyone to look the other way while they break the law.
Let's be real; the second an illegal person sets foot on American
soil without documentation, they have broken the law.
That's not even what makes me so angry.
On a very personal note; I remind everyone that my ancestors
were brought to this country against their will. That was bad enough;
add to that having to work from sun up to sun down with no compensation
in extremely unsafe working conditions. Then they were beaten,raped and lyched.
How about we get this countries affars in order as it relates to the African American.
Why can't Mexicans fight to make Mexico better. I would support SOME
American assistance in that endeavor
Next; The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy or (ITEP)
boasts that illegal immigrants pay approximately 11B
in sales tax and the like. That's fine. However, when our government
is on the verge of shutting down over the national debt/budget; all the
Income tax revenues that should come from our undocumented guests
would at least ease the pressure. I can't afford vital dental care. Can you say "sepsis"?

An article found at the ITEP website confirmed what I suspected to be true. A wife explains:
"Here is a funny example of how illegal aliens get better medical attention than a U.S. citizen might. Recently my husband had neck surgery, and we were told that he was only allowed to stay
in the hospital for one night due to our insurance. It would only cover the expenses for one night. Next to my husband was an illegal alien who had been there for 3 months already, and guess what? He did not have to pay any expenses". When I read craziness like this I am mortified.
 I think President Obama is on the right track by making our undocumented guests follow the proper path to citizenship by uncomplicating the now outdated immigration laws