Sunday musings - June 30, 2024


The language of oppression.                                                        


When reporting news many journalists in newspapers, radio, television, and the internet identify those who commit a crime by their race, immigration status, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation or some other limiting term.  The reader or listener must then be intentional about noticing and refusing the invitation to make the implied assumption that all those who fall under this label are criminals or otherwise undesirable.


Currently one of the popular identifying terms when there something negative is one’s immigration status. Often, I hear “illegal immigrant” robs, rapes or commits some other act which violates the rights of others.  The purpose of identifying the person as an illegal immigrant is clearly to reinforce the lie that illegal immigrants are undesirable addition to one’s community; to suggest that illegal immigrants are more likely than citizens of the United States to violate the rights of citizens.  The truth which has often been fact checked is illegal immigrants are less likely than United States Citizens to violate the rights of others by committing a crime.   Are there some unhealthy illegal immigrants who are unable to consider the rights of others?  Of course there are some, but they are percentage wise few.  The average person coming to the United States would like to legally enter the country to work, be with and support one’s family and be free of violence, starvations, or other forms of oppression. 


We are a country of immigrants.  At one time even the Native Americans who arrived here long before Columbus were immigrants.   Whether one was initiating their immigration, recruited because one had a skill the country needed or immigrated for some other reason, the average immigrant was seeking to have a safer, more economically stable life.   As we know some were also forced to come to this country because some others thought they deserved the labor of slaves. 


My close friend and ex-wife arrived fleeing oppressors from Estonia via a refugee camp following WWII. Estonia was not a safe place to which she and her parents could return.   A current presidential candidate and former president has an immigrant wife.  Many Afghanistan’s, Iraqis and Vietnamese came to this country because of their support of the United Staes who violently invaded their country making it unsafe for them to stray or return to their home.  We have the Dreamers who are individuals who have lived in this country their entire lives, but whose parents were unable to obtain citizenship. The parents came here to earn a living. Often the jobs of immigrants are those that many in the United States do not want to do for the wage offered.  Farm workers, food processing workers, roofers, lawn care professionals, childcare providers and a host of others are performing jobs which allow we citizens to do other jobs which often pay more and/or are less labor intensive.


We have and continue to identify individuals we want to oppress by nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender and immigrant status among others. Often this is, I believe, done deliberately.   It may also be done without thinking; perhaps by repeating or copying the words and actions of another. Whatever the case it is unacceptable, immoral, unethical and will lead to the destruction of any pretense of a democracy or community which claims to be “of the people, by the people and for people”.   Certainly, any pretense that it is behavior condoned or commanded by Jesus, Mohamad, the God of Abraam or any other divine entity is but an attempt to pretend as if the emperor has clothes.


We must, with love and not judgment, help each other notice when we are unconsciously doing this and call out - with love and not judgement - those who have fallen into the trap of reinforcing the lie that some of us are more deserving than others.  Sadly, many who identify as deeply religious, including so called Christian Nationalists, seem to think they are without “sin” and worthy of throwing the first stone.


We know that language is very powerful.  If we hear a lie frequently enough, we permanently log it into our brain as “normal/ethical/moral” and do not realize or necessarily believe what we are consciously or unconsciously accepting. Journalists or the casual social medial writer/poster need to be lovingly challenged when identifying individuals as representing a group, nationality, gender, country, immigrations status, race, religion or other association.   We must all call out politicians who unconsciously or deliberately spread the lie that individuals who cannot, for whatever, reason, consider the needs of others are representative of a group. 


I’m not suggestion that the person who commits an illegal or immoral act should be condemned.  No one orders up a brain which cannot consider the needs or rights of others.  No one asks to have a compulsive NEED to get a certain drug by any means possible; to have a compulsive need to have sexual contact with an infant or small child; to seek power by aligning oneself with lies and other forms of deception.  Clearly there are those who are unable to control such compulsions.  They may need to be  treated or retained. but we should do so with compassion and not subject them to a survival environment which is designed to “brain wash” them so they are even more unable to consider the rights and needs of others.


Written June 30, 2024
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org

​Sunday Musings - June 23, 2024


Who are we sexually?  Who are we as genders?  I think we need to begin an honest, open, non-judgmental discussion of what it means to embrace our sexuality and our genders. This blog is intended to suggest a few of the concerns and, hopefully, engender a discussion.


Since recorded history, we humans have struggled with the fact that most of us are physically capable of sexual activity daily for many decades of our life.   Clearly there have been times in many locations and cultures when playful sex was normal; times when it seems only the privileged or ruling class were permitted to enjoy sex with more than one partner; and times when sperm was considered limited, childbirth deaths were frequent, and there was a need for many individuals to gather and hunt food.  


Some cultures embraced and even ritualized sexual behavior including same sex relationships.    


 Pornography depicting a wide range of sexual activity continues to be a multibillion-dollar industry.  One can google the economics of pornography.


Obviously there have been and continue be some valid concerns related to sexual activity.   Although more treatable now, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases are and should be a concern.  For reasons we do not yet understand some individuals have a compulsive attraction to very young children. Unwanted pregnancies are also a valid concern.  Most of us would like the options of making a rational and moral decision when to have children.  The availability and use of contraceptives and stopping a pregnancy prior to the development of a new human is important for many.


Today in the United States there is a renewed effort to severely limit when children can be taught about sex or explored in school settings, the reality of same sex behavior or coming to terms with one’s being assigned to the wrong gender or one’s non-binary status. We know that the number of births with ambiguous genitals is in the range of .02 to .05 % of births.  Other conditions involve the development of atypical chromosomes goads or hormones. (Wikipedia).  We know in many cases doctors have made the arbitrary decision to surgically assign a gender in these cases with or without the consent of the parents and certainly without consent of the infant.  Children are increasingly revealing that they feel and believe that they were assigned the wrong gender and are claiming the right and the courage to undergo treatment, including surgery; to claim their intended gender.


Religious groups in the United States and many other countries are often very frightened of the honesty of same sex behavior, sexual relationships with other than one’s legal spouse, multiple partners, bisexuality and transgenderism.  The Roman Catholic Church forbids sex outside of marriage and does not embrace same sex behavior.  Yet, it is an open secret that many of the priests of the Roman Catholic Church have sexual relationships with the same or opposite gender persons.  Some priests make distinctions between celibacy and chastity.  Some do this by having sex while maintaining a primary commitment to Jesus.  There are no good records of the number of priests who refrain from sexual activity with another person.  Some studies have suggested that as few as 2% of priests refrain from sexual activity. 
There are with increasing frequency the exposure of priests who have sex with underage children.


In the Protestant churches there are frequent outing of ministers having sexual relationships with someone other than their legal spouse.   Some Protestant churches are now formally allowing openly GLBT individuals to serve as pastors while others forbid all sexual behavior outside of heterosexual marriages and even forbid the ordination of women ministers.  Forbidding does not stop the behavior and the subsequent lying.


In some countries where religious rules dictate civil laws exposure of same sex behavior and sex outside the marital relationship can result in death.  Yet, all manner of sexual activity continues despite the risk. 


In the United States there is a renewed effort to melt conservative religious beliefs with civil laws and public’s school teachings.  Yet, all “know” that most individuals continue to enjoy a variety of sexual practices.   Despite official teaching by some religious groups that the only purpose of sexual activity is to attempt procreation, one is hard pressed to find a religious couple who refrain from all sexual activity unrelated to possible conception.  


Let me be clear.  Using another person to merely satisfy one’s needs and desires is, in my opinion, morally indefensible. This includes using a person sexually, economically or otherwise.   I do not believe that some persons are sacred, and others are not. I do not believe that any of us deserve to treat others as less then or to have more than our share of resources when others have very little.


I do believe that we are sexual beings who have a need to connect with other humans in loving, respectful manner. I do not believe that churches, schools or civil authorizes should oversee one’s sexual behavior. I do believe that civil authorities should attempt to ensure that no human being takes unfair advantage of another.  At the same time, I do not believe that age in and of itself (a person must be old enough freely consent), gender or even specific sexual practices should be legislated.   I do believe that we should honor agreements with our partners, not use power to cohere or force behavior or be irresponsible regarding the transmission of or sharing of sexual diseases.  We must also protect the powerless from those who use power to abuse or take advantage of others or to use sexual activity to connect without connection is kind, moral or ethical.


I think discussion of sexual behavior should begin with an honest, open acceptance that we humans are sexual beings. These discussions need to take place in the public school settings starting at an early age. We need not be fearful of such discussions.  Children, if we listen, will let us know what they are ready for.


Written June 23, 2024
Jimmy F Pickett, LPC, AADAC
Coachpickett.org 

​Sunday Musings - June 16, 2024


Today in the United States is set aside to honor fathers.  One may immediately think of those who are biological fathers and those who have formally or legally adopted a child or children.    


One can think of the role of father as someone who is legally considered a father or one who is emotionally and spiritually present to act as a mentor, provider or co-provider.  The later may or may not be the legal parent.  In many societies - often so-called primitive societies - the village is responsible for all the children.  In the United States one or two biological, adoptive or foster parents technically have the legal, financial, spiritual and moral responsibility for children.  Often the child or children live in a one parent home: frequently with the mother.  He or she may or may not be able to fulfill the parenting role.  This can be for a variety of reasons.  If lucky or blessed there may be one or more individuals who assume the role of emotional and/or spiritual caretakers/mentors for children.  


Sadly, there are many of we biological parents who want to be an active parent but are estranged from our children. This may occur for a variety of reasons which are perhaps known or not known to the estranged parent or the child.  Some parents and children struggle with a mental Illness, including active addiction.  It may not be or feel emotionally or physically safe for the child to have contact with a parent or parents or the parent with the child.  There may be many other reasons why the child or the parent(s) chooses to disconnect from their parent or child.  The reason may or may not be stated. Of course, for those of us parents in this position it is tempting to blame self, the other parent or the child. Having a “reason” even if it has nothing to do with a shared reality, might bring some measure of temporary comfort or peace to the person. The fact is the reason is almost always more complicated.  From a parenting standpoint once, the child is an adult it does not matter.  One’s family is not the script for a soap opera, a novel or Hallmark commercial.  The goal is to honor with love what the child believes is best for them.  


As a parent of a child who chooses to not have any relationship with me my only job is to love him unconditionally and to be here with non-judgmental open arms when and if he decides to reconnect.  He is not responsible for me, my contentment or happiness. It has never been his job to satisfy my needs.  It was and is my job to love him, to assist him if asked, and to welcome him home when he returns.  Of course, there are times when addiction or other mental illness demands some physical and perhaps financial boundaries.


Many of us were blessed with one or more father figures who might or might not have been legally related to us.  In my case an important male teacher was my Uncle Harold who loved me unconditionally and taught me many important life lessons including to treat others with love and respect.  He and his wife, my Aunt Pleasie, were kind, patient, affectionate, humble and respectful of each other and all others, including many of their nieces and nephews.  My biological father also contributed some important pieces of my development.  Many other men and women  stepped into the role of teacher and mentor.   When I was in my early thirties and arrived to work and live in a Tlingit community David not only offered to be a present grandfather for our son, but said to me, “You are a young man and could not know anything about being a man. You come sit with me daily while I carve, and I will teach you.”   I could list many other men who have continued to offer their love and guidance. Some younger men have allowed me the honor of being their mentor, guide, and teacher.     I am, of course, hopeful, that my son has men in his life who offers him such gifts. I hope he allows himself to receive such gifts. 


Fatherhood might not for many or most of we males fit the patten we had internalized from television, novels or other cultural teachers especially if we only think of fathering in terms of those children for whom we are legally responsible. Yet, every time we are available to love, teach, mentor or listen to a younger person we are honoring our role as fathers.  It may seem trite but it we are a village of males, females, and those who identify as non-binary.  We are all teachers of each other.  We are all students of each other.


As an adult male I am a father and a teacher.  The gifts each of us offer are unique and important.  The gifts of our students - all our children - are equally important.  Sometimes the gift is to remind us that our worth is not about power or control.  It is about letting go and honoring the journey of our children with or without our physical presence.   


Written January 16, 2024
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org

Sunday Musings - June 9, 2024
 
 
I have long been fascinated by the power of labeling whether one is labeling a person, an event, a condition or an act. 
 
An example of positive or helpful labeling is when one is diagnosed as having medical conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer's, brain tumor, a hydrocephalic condition, or some other condition we know or believe to be the result of a recognized condition which  may affect the ability to access a shared moral or ethical behavior; the mental ability to be able to consider the rights and needs of others.  When one has or is believed to have one of these conditions one is not held responsible for one’s behavior.  It is not uncommon for a person with advanced dementia to become confused, angry, violent or to commit some other act which negatively affects the person or the property of another.  
 
We are often less empathic about the actions of a person labeled as “mentally ill”.  If that person has committed a crime and are unable to experience a shared reality at the time of the commission of a crime or when a hearing is held, they may be ordered to treatment until they are able to be considered “mentally competent” to stand trial. When and if a mentally ill person can be tried and convicted of a crime may vary depending on circumstances and decisions of the officers of the court.   
 
Addiction is a “mental” illness.  When one has an addiction to alcohol, another drug, sex, food, power or some other substance or behavior and breaks a law one is often - not always - labeled a criminal and punished as such.  United States jails and prisons house many whose primary “offense” is the inability to consider the needs and rights of others.  The compulsion to do what is necessary to satisfy one’s addiction is so powerful one often does not have the ability to access and apply one’s core values or those adopted by the community.
 
We also assign labels when assessing what is considered legal or ethical business practice.   A “savvy “businessperson might have access to legal experts to ensure that the primary businessperson is not held accountable if the business venture fails. He or she might also be able to afford other professionals to stay on the edge of what is technically legal or illegal.   A business manager who hires social scientists to design a product to trick customers to purchase their product might also be considered a smart businessperson.
 
Very often - not always - a philanthropic person is one who has amassed a fortune by keeping wages and other employee benefits low - and then uses the money to help fund a worthwhile community service.  This might include such individuals as Andrew Carnegie, the Melons, the Phipps, Jeff Bezos and many others.  It is tough to not appreciate the Carnegie libraries, Phipps Conservatory, some of the good works of the anti- Jewish Henry Ford, the contributions of Jefferson, the convenience of Amazon or a host of others whose good deeds were financed partly or solely on the back of others. 
 
We harshly judge the “pervert” who has a sexual addiction while lauding the businessperson who directly and indirectly uses sexual adds to sell their products.  We may label a man or woman who married for money as smart, while demonizing the sex worker. We applaud the socialite who dons a sexually provocative costume while labeling a street prostitute a tramp, a bad or immoral person.
 
Labels may be seen as useful in alerting some of us how to treat other people.  A label may tell us to treat someone with respect and even admiration.  Other labels may legitimize the mistreatment of others.   Labeling a behavior as good, bad, right or wrong, admirable or immoral may tell us who is deserving of respect or even physical survival. Labeling someone the enemy of the community, the state or the country may tell others one is deserving of a medal if one treats them badly or even kills them. 
 
There are many other examples of the power of labels.  My spiritual teacher has often suggested that I experiment with dropping the dualities - dropping or at least noticing my use of labels.  I am often humbled by how often my behavior is shaped by the labels I assign people and events.  The label I assign may be a signal to pay close attention to what someone is saying or doing, or it may be a signal to ignore them.  My experience is that I can easily misjudge and even miss an opportunity to learn on the basis of the label I have unthinkingly assigned some person, group or event.
 
Written June 9, 2024
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett,org
 
 ​

 
Sunday Musings - June 2, 2024
Public Education
 
In most places in the United States K-12 schools are closing for the summer although some will offer summer school, and a few are on a 12-month calendar.
 
During the summer and fall months, candidates for school boards as well as state and federal legislatures will be competing to have their opinions determine the content and direction of public education at the K-12 level and at the college/university level.
 
Some will insist that the goal of public education is to instill morals and ethics.  Others may suggest that education is to explore the creative and intellectual potential of each child.  Still others seem to think that education is to teach the skills and history needed to function within a narrow concept of religious dogma.  Some of the later maintain that we are a Christian nation and the job of public education is to ensure that basic skills are taught within the framework of often narrow religious beliefs. 
 
My understanding is:
 
o   The United States constitution ensures that there is no national religion or allegiance to any religion. Church and state are separate
o   All individuals are born with equal rights and unique gifts.
o   Public education should strive to develop and nurture the gifts and talents of every child.
o   Public education should teach how skills and talents add to the quality of life for all. I think this includes the role of the arts - music, dance, painting, sculpture, as well as other art forms..  The arts explore what is creatively possible.
o   Public education should honor the fact that each of us have unique ways of accessing information and problem solving.  Some learn better by reading; some by listening; some by independent study; some by hands on.
o   Not all parents have the same skills, resources, or talents. Some are merely the biological parents and have no ability to nurture, teach, guide or provide basics values. Schools must honor this reality.
o   Some skills are the foundation while others change.  We must foster the excitement and ability of a lifetime of learning; to problem solve; think critically and creatively.
o   Fairly or unfairly, there are parents or parent resources which can provide alternative, exceptional educational opportunities for some children.
o   If we are preparing all children to function in the cultural, economic and environmental framework in which we live, we must teach children that we thrive together or perish together.
o   Publicly funded charter schools have no place in the public education system. Specialty schools such as schools which focus on certain skills or talents may have an important role in public education.
o   Funding must be equal taking into account living expenses for staff and that the needs of the children may vary.  Property taxes and other local sources of funding vary too much to play a role in the funding of public education.  If a significant portion of the education budget is based on property taxes, there cannot be any equality of opportunity for a quality education.  The same is true of state funding.  State resources are not equal.
o   Teachers and school resource personal such as counselors, psychologists and other social scientists should determine age-appropriate teaching relating to sex, gender, sexual orientation, and birth control.  Decisions of what and how to teach should not be based on political expediency, religious bias or limited versions of ethics/morals.
o   Children vary in readiness for reading level and other skills. When we adults listen children will let us adults know when they are ready.
o   School schedules in terms of age, time of operations. must be coordinated  with work schedules of parents.  Childcare may need to be incorporated into the publicly funded educational institutions.
o   Holistic health practices (factors which affect the health of the brain as well as the rest of the body) must be taught and practiced by public school systems. This includes nutrition, exercise and other pieces of health care.
o   Children must learn what they are taught can lead to thriving throughout their life journey. This includes a sense of purpose; of being an essential part of a whole.   
 
The above can be debated and/or added to by educators, social scientists and students.  They should not be the purview of elected school board members, legislators or religious groups all of which  may have a biased agenda.
 
Written June 2, 2024
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
 
 
Postscript:          
 
In West Virginia, 14% of funding comes from the federal government, 34% of funding comes from the state government, and 51% of funding comes from local property taxes. Since much of the funding comes from local property taxes, opportunity does not flow equally to all students. (March 23, 202l4. theintelligence.org)
√

Sunday musings - May 26, 2024
Alcohol is a drug!
This Memorial Day weekend I am suggesting we take another look at our love affair with alcohol
If one attends AA or NA 12 step meetings one will be reminded that alcohol is a drug.  Of course, at some level we all know this.  Even so, when one reads of the grave concerns about drug abuse overdoses and deaths in the United States which continue to average just over 100,000 a year (nearly 108,000 in the year 2021-2022 as reported by the Center for drug abuse statistics) alcohol related deaths are not counted. 
Weekly and sometimes daily, local news sources report a concern from politicians and sometimes medical personnel about the drug addiction crisis in the United States and other countries.    We jail many people a year for possession and or selling opioid, meth and other similar illegal or prescription only drugs in this country. Until recently one could be jailed for possessing and/or selling relatively small amounts of marijuana. (The classification of marijuana at the Federal levek is just now being changed.)  We jail some for alcohol related deaths or charge some with driving under the influences while promoting alcohol as the normal adult drink of choice for holidays, sporting events and celebrations such as weddings.
Few who are living today were alive during the relatively brief experiment of prohibition outlawing the sales of alcohol in this country.   During this period the manufacturing and sales of alcohol products skyrocketed.  The careers of many law enforcement personnel greatly benefitted during this time as did the tragic deaths of many.  Clearly, criminalizing the making and selling of alcoholic drinks did not reduce consumption and, in fact, fueled the racketeers and bootleggers.
The national institute for drug abuse statistics report that an average of 140,000 people die a year from alcohol related deaths (those reported as such). In the year 2021-2022, 187,00 individuals died as a direct result of alcohol abuse in the United States.  That is nearly 80,000 more than is reported for opioids, meth and other so called street drug overdoses in the same period.  Yet, there is not a daily outcry.   Every year some college students die of alcohol poisoning. Every year’s non-alcohol kidney failures complete with alcohol related kidney failures for a kidney transplant while fueling the kidney dialysis industry.  College and professional sport teams promote the sales of alcohol at games.   Charity organizations, including some veteran organizations, raise funds featuring the sale of and consumption of alcohol.  Open bars are often a feature of weddings and other events.
 
Alcohol is often but not always addictive.  Some of us can have an occasional glass of wine, a beer or a mixed drink without any danger of drinking until impairment.   There may also be those who can occasionally use opioids, meth, and other potentially addictive drugs safely just as we know that there are those seemingly few who can safely use nicotine without becoming addicted.
 
It is true that a significant percentage of alcohol related deaths occur over a long period of time. The overdose rate of opioid drugs especially those laced with fentanyl may seem much higher and often more tragic because of the number of deaths of young people.
 
Alcohol is a drug.  Alcohol kills more than any other legal drug except for nicotine.  CDC reported approximately 480,000 nicotine related deaths in the United state in 2023.  Yet, nicotine in various forms remains legal and gets minimal attention by those concerned with drug abuse deathser although more than alcohol.
I am not suggesting prohibition or criminalization of alcohol and nicotine.  Obviously, that will not work.  I am suggesting that we as a nation:
 
Quit allowing alcohol at sporting events, particularly at college games.
Outlaw advertising by alcohol manufactures; advertisements which only as an afterthought suggest it is a dangerous drug.
Outlaw all vaping products to those under 21.
Speed up the process of outlawing menthol cigarettes.
At the local, regional, state and federal level quit separating alcohol, nicotine, opioids, meth amphetamine, and other addictive “recreational” drugs as if some are socially healthy and some are not. 
Decriminalize all drugs and treat addiction as the disease it is.
Use available resources to educate and treat addiction rather than making law enforcement the primary approach.
Quit pretending as if addition responds to punishment.
Recognize that addition is a chronic disease.  A person can be in recovery mode but will not be cured. At the same time, it is proven that when individuals use daily recovery tools, it is possible to face life without active addiction.  
 
Continue to fund research into the prevention, treatment and early diagnosis of addictions beginning at a very early age.
On this Memorial Day in the United States let us remind each other “Alcohol is an addictive drug.”  Let us not host family events which include alcohol as if is a safe drug to consume.
Written May 26, 2024
Jimmy F Pickett
Coachpickett.org
 
 



 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Alcohol is a drug! 
If one attends AA or NA 12 step meetings one will be reminded that alcohol is a drug.  Of course, at some level we all know this.  Even so, when one reads of the grave concerns about drug abuse overdoses and deaths in the United States which continue to average just over 100,000 a year (nearly 108,000 in the year 2021-2022 as reported by the Center for drug abuse statistics) alcohol related deaths are not counted. 
Weekly and sometimes daily, local news sources report a concern from politicians and sometimes medical personnel about the drug addiction crisis in the United States and other countries.    We jail many people a year for possession and or selling opioid, meth and other similar illegal or prescription only drugs in this country. Until recently one could be jailed for possessing and/or selling relatively small amounts of marijuana. (The classification of marijuana at the Federal levek is just now being changed.)  We jail some for alcohol related deaths or charge some with driving under the influences while promoting alcohol as the normal adult drink of choice for holidays, sporting events and celebrations such as weddings.
Few who are living today were alive during the relatively brief experiment of prohibition outlawing the sales of alcohol in this country.   During this period the manufacturing and sales of alcohol products skyrocketed.  The careers of many law enforcement personnel greatly benefitted during this time as did the tragic deaths of many.  Clearly, criminalizing the making and selling of alcoholic drinks did not reduce consumption and, in fact, fueled the racketeers and bootleggers.
The national institute for drug abuse statistics report that an average of 140,000 people die a year from alcohol related deaths (those reported as such). In the year 2021-2022, 187,00 individuals died as a direct result of alcohol abuse in the United States.  That is nearly 80,000 more than is reported for opioids, meth and other so called street drug overdoses in the same period.  Yet, there is not a daily outcry.   Every year some college students die of alcohol poisoning. Every year’s non-alcohol kidney failures complete with alcohol related kidney failures for a kidney transplant while fueling the kidney dialysis industry.  College and professional sport teams promote the sales of alcohol at games.   Charity organizations, including some veteran organizations, raise funds featuring the sale of and consumption of alcohol.  Open bars are often a feature of weddings and other events.
 
Alcohol is often but not always addictive.  Some of us can have an occasional glass of wine, a beer or a mixed drink without any danger of drinking until impairment.   There may also be those who can occasionally use opioids, meth, and other potentially addictive drugs safely just as we know that there are those seemingly few who can safely use nicotine without becoming addicted.
 
It is true that a significant percentage of alcohol related deaths occur over a long period of time. The overdose rate of opioid drugs especially those laced with fentanyl may seem much higher and often more tragic because of the number of deaths of young people.
 
Alcohol is a drug.  Alcohol kills more than any other legal drug except for nicotine.  CDC reported approximately 480,000 nicotine related deaths in the United state in 2023.  Yet, nicotine in various forms remains legal and gets minimal attention by those concerned with drug abuse deathser although more than alcohol.
I am not suggesting prohibition or criminalization of alcohol and nicotine.  Obviously, that will not work.  I am suggesting that we as a nation:
 
Quit allowing alcohol at sporting events, particularly at college games.
Outlaw advertising by alcohol manufactures; advertisements which only as an afterthought suggest it is a dangerous drug.
Outlaw all vaping products to those under 21.
Speed up the process of outlawing menthol cigarettes.
At the local, regional, state and federal level quit separating alcohol, nicotine, opioids, meth amphetamine, and other addictive “recreational” drugs as if some are socially healthy and some are not. 
Decriminalize all drugs and treat addiction as the disease it is.
Use available resources to educate and treat addiction rather than making law enforcement the primary approach.
Quit pretending as if addition responds to punishment.
Recognize that addition is a chronic disease.  A person can be in recovery mode but will not be cured. At the same time, it is proven that when individuals use daily recovery tools, it is possible to face life without active addiction.  
 
Continue to fund research into the prevention, treatment and early diagnosis of addictions beginning at a very early age.
On this Memorial Day in the United States let us remind each other “Alcohol is an addictive drug.”  Let us not host family events which include alcohol as if is a safe drug to consume.
Written May 26, 2024
Jimmy F Pickett
Coachpickett.org