'NO METH EPIDEMIC'

I strongly object to the current "meth epidemic" philosophy. I am irritated
when our state politicians make comments like "if this was measles or pox,
people would take notice." This is not a disease and not a medical
emergency. Drug use is not a disease, it is a disturbing social trend.

There is no meth epidemic. There are simply increasing numbers of people
who have disregarded their sense of responsibility to their community and
themselves.

I contend these are not good people who deserve our pity or compassion,
because some black cloud of misfortune has settled on them. Rather, these
are people who have consciously chosen a direction of apathy at some
crossroad in their lives.

Whether you smoke or shoot up in some back alley, or even drink seven Long
Island Ice Teas on Saint Patty's Day, you've made the conscious decision,
"I don't care."

The fact that people disregard the eventual consequences of their
lifestyles, then beg for handouts when the chips are down, is an insult to
all responsible hard-working citizens.

Jeff Beck, Fresno