Pubdate: Mon, 24 Apr 2000
Source: Tampa Tribune (FL)
Copyright: 2000, The Tribune Co.
Contact:  http://www.tampatrib.com/
Forum: http://tampabayonline.net/interact/welcome.htm
Author: Patrick Tools, Tampa

ROOTS OF DRUG CULTURE

I was terribly angered by an editorial cartoon published April 19 depicting
a protesting, grungy mob with the caption `` `Exhibit A' That We're Losing
The War On Drugs.''

I am not a young person, but I have much respect for those who feel inclined
to speak out against what they feel are just causes. This includes those who
assembled in Washington, D.C., this past week.

Regarding the globalization cause: In 1905, Upton Sinclair opened the eyes
of America to corporate greed and the crushing poverty and oppression
inflicted upon the poor in Chicago with his novel ``The Jungle.'' In many
instances, that same quest for profits which fueled the exploitation of
workers still exists: from sweatshops in El Salvador to cases of indentured
servitude we've found right here in South Florida's agricultural industry.
These protesters have a point.

Yes, the war on drugs may be lost, but to me this is more evident in a
culture that believes if there's enough money in it, anything goes.

The ``stoners'' I remember from the '70s sat on their butts and marveled at
how cool Pink Floyd's ``The Dark Side of The Moon'' sounded. The fact that
there are now so many thoughtful, motivated young men and women speaking out
for a cause greater than their own existence tells me that we are finally
seeing a light at the end of the tunnel - a 30- year tunnel of selfishness
and self-absorption. Remember, many of these protesters are young, so if
they come off as a little foolish or exuberant, give them that.

My advice to the editorial cartoonist from Birmingham: Kick back, have a
``Budweiser,'' enjoy a ``Marlboro,'' take a ``Tylenol'' or ``Bayer'' if you
need it and a ``Viagra'' at bedtime. Get a good night's sleep with a
``Sominex'' chaser, then wake up with a good strong cup of ``Starbucks'' and
draw us a cartoon depicting the roots of our drug culture.
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