freethefly

It is false priority that I see governments focus on. Why so much is spent one way and very little the opposite. Billions towards marijuana deterrence and only a few million towards alcohol. Neither should be prohibited, yet neither should also not be encouraged. I would rather see an equal amount spent on education of substance and abuse than the floundering of tax dollars to law enforcement and an already heavily laden court system that does little to address a problem. I myself had 7 DWI's and the majority of my past legal problems stemmed from alcohol abuse. The lax attitude of the legal system towards alcohol abuse did nothing to deter me from using. Being educated to the real harm of alcohol abuse did. I normally stay away from where alcohol is being used. I have not been in a bar in more than ten years. In all fairness the government has been running a few anti-alcohol commercials but they will have very little impact much the same as anti-marijuana commercials or the DARE program have virtually no impact (people see through the lie). The focus should not be deterrance from use but to be responsiable for yourself and those who are in your group. Remember the "Friends do not let friends drive drunk" ad? It was a great commercial and people listened to it. It was not propaganda it was truth and people responded to it by way of disignated drivers. Money well spent. As for the "war" on marijuana, all that is shown is that it is a highly addictive and dangerous drug. All false and very few respond to it. Money not well spent. Why is it that a drug (alcohol) that is known to be highly addictive is tolerated while another that is not villified by the government? Effort should be geared towards telling the truth and nothing but the truth and people will respond. "...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young

???????? This thread is not towards prohibition as you seem to indicate that it is. It is geared towards abuse and why it is not on a front burner. Alcohol, more than any other drug (yes, alcohol is a drug and an extremely dangerous one when abused) other than tobacco is indicated in a wide spectrum of personal and social problems that continues to plague society and chisel away at the tax dollars with no end in sight. All the while the alcohol industry continues to push their drug on the public and tout it to be fun and safe. It is my opinion that the alcohol industry is no better than someone who cooks meth and deals it to kids. The alcohol industry gears it's own commercials towards the youngest legal age drinkers with no repercussion for their action as drug dealers. With so many deaths (being second inline with tobacco for drug related death) why is it that alcohol use is so heavily encouraged? Mind you, these numbers are abit old but are still true to current trends. Annual Causes of Deaths in the US Estimated U.S. deaths in 2000 attributed to: Tobacco (Average 1990 - 94): ................................. 430,700 (1) Alcohol (1996): ................................................. 110,640 (2) Adverse Reactions to Prescription Drugs (1982 / 1998): .. 32,000 (3) Suicide (1998): .................................................. 30,575 (4) Homicide (1998): ............................................... 18,272 (5) All licit and illicit drug-induced deaths (1998): ............. 16,926 (6) Non-Steroidal Anti- Inflammatory Drugs (1992):............ 7,600 (7) Marijuana: ...................................................... 0 (8) "...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young

I am completely saddened to hear this. VIBES VIBES VIBES. Keep good thoughts and know that you have many friends everywhere, brother. "...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young

http://www.drugsense.org/wodclock.htm http://www.sentencingproject.org/pdfs/waronmarijuana.pdf#search='cost%20of%20the%20war%20on%20marijuana' The first link is a cost clock showing how rapidly your tax dollars are being wasted away. The second is a pdf from the Sentencing Project concerning the cost and outcome of marijuana prohibition. If you do comment on this thread, please read the file first before doing so. Formulate an informed and intelligent comment. I would particularly like to see a comment from Billvon. You always seem to be informed and well read. "...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young

This post should be deleted. It is tasteless and a slam on the hearing impaired. Finding humor and laughing at a persons misfortune is horrid. It is always a shame when someone so young is taken from those who love them. I see nothing to laugh about. "...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young

Sounds more like a blackmail proposal. Hey, look, we screwed everything up and made a mess out of this, join us or else we'll release the dog on you! Koch is an asshat and nothing but hotair. The US cannot expect support from countries that the US thumbed it's nose at. "...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young

What would your plan be? 1. Impeach Bush 2. Impeach Cheney 3. New president apologizes to the world and appeals to traditional allies for assistance Give Saddam his country back. He, no doubt, did a far better job than the US and the puppet government now in power(?) can ever expect to do. Considering that the US and Saddam were, at one time, allies and that the US shit all over him for the oil corporation it is hard to see how any mideast country could ever trust the US. "...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young

I wasn't exactly pointing at Australia. The article was just the starting point on alcohol abuse. I am sure that all countries have this very same problem with alcohol and turning a blind eye on it. What I am asking is why does society in whole and our very governments do virtually little to stem the problem as a multitude of societies problems are alcohol related. "...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young

The emphasis is on abuse and lack of education towards alcohol. In no way do I advocate prohibiton. Alcohol should not be advertised as being the "in thing to do", but shown aggressivly for what it is and the havoc it can cause in a persons life, much the same as the TRUTH commercials on tobacco. The alcohol industries little "drink responsiably" blurb at the end of their commercials have done nothing to promote responsiable use. Maybe showing the true side of alcohol would stem the rise in new drinkers every year. Education, not legislation, is the greatest tool to fix a problem. "...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young

I wouldn't call this an opinion. It is the same here in the U.S.. Alcohol is widely accepted with the knowledge of what devestation it causes. We all know it. I dare you to find one person who has not been affected in one form or another by alcohol. It is everywhere you look as it is so heavily pushed on the public. The alcohol industry proudly encourage a person to start drinking as soon as they are legal. Childern are baraged with ads daily showing what great fun it is to be drunk. NASCAR pushes alcohol while knowing that kids look up to the drivers who drive these cars that are basicly rolling billboards for the alcohol industry. People are not ignorant of what the exposure does. Look around it is everywhere. "...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young

Couldn't help but notice the similar attitude to that of the U.S. towards alcohol abuse. Very little attention to it being the leading factor in a wide range of problems that plagues society. Health; physical and mental problems that greatly shortens the life span of an abuser. Work; time lost due to the aforementioned. Greater risk to workplace and coworkers. Alcohol is indicated in more workplace accidents than all the drugs (legal and illegal) combined. Domestic; spousal abuse, child abuse, divorce. Criminal; DUI, anti-social behavoir, sexual assault, violence, auto accidents... The list goes on forever. With a drug that is so widely indicated why is it that it is so widely pushed and accepted? Alcohol is and has been one of the biggest drains, if not the biggest, on the tax dollar. No ones says anything about this. Certianly not the government. The alcohol industry is powerful enough to keep them deep in their pockets while they reap major profit from pushing their drug. All the while society suffers immensely from what comes from alcohol abuse. UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL by Ross Fitzgerald, (Source:Australian) Regional News 13 Mar 2006 Australia ------- IN 1977, Liberal Party senator Peter Baume chaired a crucial Senate report on Drug Problems in Australia. Subtitled An Intoxicated Society?, this report perceptively argued that, if drug problems were to be tackled effectively, all drugs, including tobacco and alcohol, would have to be dealt with. But little was done until the declaration of Australia's modern "war on drugs" in 1985. After that year's drug summit, prime minister Bob Hawke and NSW premier Neville Wran gave doorstop interviews where they promised "wire taps", "border interdiction", more police: a clampdown on heroin. Unsurprisingly, they did not win the day. Victorian premier Jeff Kennett sensibly refused to sign up to a national campaign unless all drugs were included and only if prevention and treatment were given equal weight to law enforcement. The other states agreed. Thus was born the comprehensive and multilayered Australian approach to drugs. A decade later, another prime minister added a further layer. John Howard announced his Tough on Drugs campaign which stressed, and in my opinion unduly emphasised, law enforcement. On the ground, however, better sense prevailed. This involved finding what worked in treatment and prevention, and testing this against the evidence; that is to say, learning from experience and critical reflection. Up to now, Australia has done quite well reducing heroin deaths, keeping HIV/AIDS at a low rate, and now even cannabis use is declining. Indeed in these areas we are doing better than most countries. Plus tobacco use in Australia is now at its lowest level. But there is an important piece missing. And it is the biggest piece in the jigsaw: namely alcohol with its massive social, medical and economic impact. The effects of alcohol misuse overwhelm the stretched emergency departments in every hospital, it burdens GPs, mental health units, social welfare organisations and justice systems. In NSW last year alcohol fuelled the Cronulla riots and the upheavals in Macquarie Fields. Alcohol fuels myriad outbreaks of violence in our cities and suburbs and makes us all unsafe. It is easy to blame others -- the "riffraff", "rednecks", "ethnics", Aboriginal people and "today's youth" -- but alcohol itself escapes blame. In Australia, as in Britain, politicians argue that mental health is the nation's most pressing health problem. Thus at the Council of Australian Governments, Howard and all the premiers have guaranteed they will deal with mental health by preparing a comprehensive plan to tackle mental health issues when next they meet. But the PM and premiers Steve Bracks and Morris Iemma have potentially diverted attention from alcohol by highlighting cannabis as the big problem instead of realising that society's biggest problem is booze. In Australia, teenagers, especially girls, are increasingly bingeing on alcohol. Alcohol is directly linked to the main health problems in young people: depression, suicide, road and personal injuries, sexual assaults and other mental disorders. Adding to these immediate deleterious consequences are the long-term adverse effects on education, skill development and employment. Those who suffer a continuing mental illness have lives shortened on average by as much as 20 years; 23 per cent of this is due to alcohol. Being dependent on alcohol at least doubles and perhaps even triples the risk of depression and other substance abuse; it also increases vulnerability to other mental disorders and physical disease. Up to 23 per cent of suicides in Australia are caused by alcohol and between 30 and 50 per cent of people who commit suicide have had a previous history of alcohol use disorder. Suicide is the commonest cause of death in alcohol-dependent people. Alcohol misuse penetrates family life, the workplace and the community at large. Sadly, in relation to alcohol misuse, federal and state governments are pathetically unresponsive. We see an occasional summit here and an occasional plan there, but with insufficient or sometimes no funds allocated for effective implementation. In the past eight years, the combined governments in Australia have invested about $2.2 billion in programs specifically aimed at illicit drugs. However, over the same period the same governments have allocated only about $50 million to deal with problems caused by alcohol. What really takes the cake is that while teenage drinking is targeted in media campaigns, the federal Government picks up $200 million from underage drinkers through alcohol excise. Where is the public interest in that? Who's pulling the strings? It's reasonable to suggest that the liquor industry and its lobbyists exercise undue influence on the federal and state governments, who should recognise alcohol as the nation's main drug of harm. "...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young

Expect more. She has stated that she has a number of shows lined up for when her baby is borned and for her triumphant return to skydiving. "...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young

A law similar was enacted recently here in Missouri and it worked out real well last week. The christian nazi group ran by Phelps announced that they would protest at the funeral of a soilder in SW Mo.. They backed down when they were told that they will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest exent of the law. Every state needs to enact laws that provide dignity for the deceased and the mourners. Sad that it has to be this way. Some people have no respect. "...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young

I'm not wearing pants. But those of you who are should take them off. I don't believe my co-workers would appreciate that.... The oppressive BASTARDS!!!! SHOCK & AWE them towards a pants free society!!!! "...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young

Just sit right back... "...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young

Everything from murdering my wife to the unthinkable act of stealing rare books. "...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young

Sorry to say that I'll probally see your cat in hell where, according to Superkat, I'll be getting sodomized by Satan!! EGAD that has got to burn. I best stock up on preperation H. "...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young

Are Your Cats Old Enough To Learn About Jesus? By Marian Byers February 28, 2006 People often ask me when they should teach the Good News to their housecats. I have but one answer: "What are you waiting for?" A pet is a beloved part of your family, and as a Christian, you should do everything you can to guarantee that this valued member of your family receives the glorious eternal reward for which Christ gave His very life. Think of the alternative: your cat mired in darkness for eternity because you put off a 10-minute conversation. My own cats accepted Jesus into their hearts before they even opened their eyes. The light of salvation has brightened their lives, but perhaps the most noticeable change has been in me. I am filled with warmth knowing their eternal souls have been saved. Kittens' hearts, at birth, are filled with what theologians call "original mischief." Mischief, if left to grow on its own, can sprout into evil. That's why you must fill their hearts with Jesus instead. If you wait, your cats might find seductive role models among the back-alley strays and rough felines from the wrong side of town. You could also end up with an unwanted pregnancy. That's why it's so very, very important to tell your cats about the life, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus as early as possible. The Nicene Creed is a good place to start: Recite it to them when they are about 10 weeks old. Remember: If you give a cat a fish, it eats for a day. If you teach a cat to fish, it eats for a lifetime. Perhaps that's not such a good proverb to use in this case, since fishing is actually instinctual in cats. But Jesus is not. Your kitties need to know early on that there is a fisher of men and cats alike who can save their souls. A lot of people say, "Oh, but Whiskers doesn't even answer to his name yet." They raise a good point: Sometimes you have to teach your cat at its own level. If you give your cat a rubber Jesus to play with, it will sense that there's more to this toy. If you give it a scratching cross, it will contemplate Christ's love and ultimate sacrifice while it stretches and sharpens its claws. I myself have put an image of Jesus at the bottom of my cats' food bowls. That way, when they finish their food, the face of He who provided it is revealed unto them. Teaching your cats the Gospel of Christ isn't just important for their eternal souls, it is also the only way to ensure that they know an eternity of damnation awaits them if they scratch your favorite chair. Before they cough up a hairball on the rug or leave a dead mouse on the doorstep, they'll know—without being scolded—that they had better watch it, as a Final Judgment awaits at the hands of the Lord. Of course, once your cat has accepted the Lord in its heart, it's ready to be baptized. The righteous cat is one that is born again in the eyes of the Lord. People think that baptism is a rite that requires a fancy baptismal font and a preacher, but that's simply not true. Just fill your bathtub with water, say a little invocation over it, ask your cat if it rejects Satan and all his evil, and then dunk it. Make sure it is fully immersed, in accordance with Scripture. So now, all you have to do is choose your cat's baptismal name. My cats' birth names were Meowser, Fluff, and Mr. Boots, but their baptismal names are Ezekiel, Caleb, and Mr. Paws. Remember, a cat may have nine lives, but it only has one eternal soul. We all must one day appear before the Holy Seat Of Judgment, and although my Oliver and Lady Twinkles passed on long ago from this vale of tears, I take solace in the knowledge that, when the time comes for me to receive the ecstasies of Heaven, all of my housecats will be waiting to spend eternity on my lap. And don't get your cats vaccinated, either. The Lord will provide protection from feline leukemia. "...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, LOL sorry, Andy, I couldn't help it. I am being a dork today. I was accussed of being one yesterday even though it wasn't my day to be the dork. Today is my day and I intend to use this power for the good of all humankind. "...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young

There has only been one perfect human being ever created. And every evening, she makes me take out the garbage. Admit it , she made you post that, didn't she? Peck, peck, peck...went the hen . If she was wearing a leather corsett and thigh high nine inch stiletto boots while holding a cat-o-nine, you are forgiven. If not, GET SOME BALLS, dude!! "...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young

I went back and re-read your post and yes I misinterpeted it. But calling someone a "dork" instead of pointing out the mistake they made? are you sure your not still twelve years old? at least mentally? eh brah, sorry I called you a dork. Shoots, I was on a "dork" kick last night. Shaka!

Someone fill me in on this. How do you know that the bible is "God's word"? Did god sit down with someone and tell them word per word what to write? As for the NT, I have read that it was written nearly 500 years after jesus supposingly died and then resurrected. We also know that the bible has been re-written several times. Did god actually tell someone where to make the changes? The kjv came about, when? the 15th century. So how can it possiably be the "word of god"? If someone today came to you with another chapter and said that it is gods word would you believe that person? Do you simply just believe soley because someone said it is "god's word"? Now don't get offensive as I am only trying to understand how you can actually believe when there is no proof. "...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young

This is exactly why us non-christians shake our heads in disbelief. Christians saying that us who are not christians are "lost" and that they will pray for us. No need to pray for me, I am NOT lost. I do not believe in christianity therefore the concept of being "saved" just seems to be a pipedream that one is going to bask in gods glowing light for all of eternity. "...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young

And then if it happens, and you don't leave, you can say that you never in fact said that, like Alec Baldwin. I don't like Giuliani either, you know. And I detest Hillary Clinton. But I'm not making crazy statements about whether I'll move away while she's in office. It's just setting yourself up for being called full of shit. - You shouldn't take things so serious, PJ. Being called "full of shit" here at SC only makes me laugh and laugh and laugh. Hey, I was called a "dork" in one of the christian threads and I am still laughing at how childish that was. "...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young

I went back and re-read your post and yes I misinterpeted it. But calling someone a "dork" instead of pointing out the mistake they made? are you sure your not still twelve years old? at least mentally? "...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young