Pubdate: Tue, 27 Aug 2002
Source: Eau Claire Leader-Telegram (WI)
Copyright: 2002 Eau Claire Press
Contact:  http://www.leadertelegram.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/236
Author: Rick Meyer
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1544/a04.html

BLAME GAME GETS TIRESOME

In the Tuesday, Aug. 20 Leader-Telegram, we hear from another whining jail 
inmate blaming his illegal activity and drug use on someone or something 
other than his own transgressions.

I agree with him; prison won't cure his addiction. I don't think it's 
supposed to; he is the one responsible for curing his addiction.

Why should law-abiding taxpayers be responsible for curing him? He could 
have sought help on his own instead of doing the deeds that landed him in 
jail. Now that he is in jail, he wants to whine and blame someone or 
something else for his predicament. I'm not buying it! If you want help, 
you can get it outside of jail and you can get it in jail as well.

The writer said we should "help" people who steal or rob in order to get a 
fix. I don't think so; those actions aren't a cry for help . they are a 
plain old "crime," and I don't think the average taxpayer who goes to work, 
pays his/her bills, obeys the law and avoids addictions have an obligation 
or a duty to help those who prey on others.

Quit whining and do your time! And when you get out, get your help before 
your first fix and next transgression.

My guess is that is at least your third or fourth offense that you are 
serving time for. In Wisconsin, no one goes to jail on a first offense and 
not many on a second offense.

In North Carolina, those who commit crimes help taxpayers by cleaning the 
roadways, digging rain ditches and doing other menial tasks that save 
taxpayers some money. It's a pretty sight, driving along the highways 
watching the chain gangs hard at work. You should have it so good, Mr. Jones.

RICK MEYER

New Bern, N.C.
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