RESP0NSE #1 TO THE DRUG WAR OPED

Dear Editor:

Letter writer M. L.Simon was very informative as far as the facts of heroin
go. Addiction, however, is a different matter. The theory of addiction has
never been proven. Addictions are the latest in a long line of
destroyer-of-will theories. Addictions are stigmatizing terms that are
culturally conditioned. Addictions are, in fact, medicalized-sounding
morals. Lust for pleasurable experiences and gluttony - some people just
don't know when to quit. Two of the seven deadly sins that explained the
same behavior when religion and state ruled the world.

Since Jefferson separated church and state mankind has simply learned to do
its moralizing in medical terms. The doctors have replaced the priests on
the pedestal of esteem formerly reserved for the church by force of law.
Welcome to the therapeutic state.

Letter writer M.L. Simon's letter alluded to the suffering of the poor
souls that resort to heroin to deal with whatever internal demons torment
them. The 'treatment' professional for pained souls is a soul doctor. There
is nothing a medical practitioner can do for someone who through free will
wants to do heroin.

It is not the duty of the state to save people from themselves. If a man
wants to eat poison, it is of no concern to legitimate government. Restore
our natural right to drugs, all of them. It is a right mankind has owned
since time began. There is a third option in the drug debate: you could
just leave the sinners alone.

"The care of every man's soul belongs to himself. But what if he neglect
the care of it? Well, what if he neglect the care of his health or his
estate, which more nearly relate to the state? Will the magistrate make a
law that he be not poor or sick? Laws provide against injury from others;
but not from ourselves. God himself will not save men against their wills.
- - Thomas Jefferson.

Chris Buors