9 Comments

"Unfortunately, responding intelligently to the question of illicit drug availability and addiction proves elusive"

It's not only elusive, it's not in the interest of many. These days demanding Rambo answers gets more attention that intelligent discussion of complex problems.

And these days, Rambo solutions seem like a good idea to many who listen because they too have no interest in thinking deeper about it. Hey, it works for Stallone.

It's a mess. And I feel sorry for the people who get caught up in it. So easy to OD in these marvelous times. After decades of scorn heaped upon critical thinking, common sense, the importance of education, and the importance of an informed populace, the chickens are coming home to roost.

Serious problems require serious leaders. But unfortunately, we're living in the clown era.

Thanks for the article, Mike. Your're stirring up the old synapses!

Expand full comment
May 8, 2023·edited May 8, 2023Liked by Mike Leavy

Yes great information. It makes sense the problem is complex. If it were easy, something would have been done. Unfortunately complex problems seem to require collaboration and data driven decisions, both of which our US political system is not currently capable of. IMO, starting with reinstating our truth in reporting laws (that were removed during the Reagan era) would be a step in the right direction. But again, complex to tie this to the problem.

Expand full comment

Great information! A lot of finger pointing without any effective game plan to slow the problem.

Expand full comment

May 8th. The date you published this story. I was already in a whirlwind of extra - ordinary activity - getting ready for a trip. I just had to see you had written about the "F" word to stop myself from reading. I was wanting to conserve energy. Call me a loyal fan. (Is that redundant?) I am back. I like to think I do not shy away from 'difficult' material. I read your story. One of many humanity's stories that appear intractable. I agree with Victor, "Your're stirring up the old synapses!" and also my heart strings. A young daughter of a friend of a friend has died. The "F" word is circling closer and closer to me. Reports of 'F' deaths are on the rise in my city. I am living at one of those Mexico/USA borders with 4 international bridges spanning the Rio Bravo or Rio Grande depending on which side you live at. With $24.6 billion in two-way trade, with Mexico commerce accounting for $23.9 billion through Laredo, it makes it arguably one of, if not the largest land port in the USA. Señor Trump tried to impose a greater (and slower) inspection and that what quickly squashed by the benefactors of those billions in imports. "The problem is complex" to quote another of your readers. Why don't you write about homelessness or climate change instead, Mike.

Expand full comment

I concur with Victor, "It's not only elusive, it's not in the interest of many." And, I might insist not in the interest of a few but powerful people.

All I could do is switch to decaf coffee and ponder my "addiction" for caffeine.

Expand full comment