Pubdate: Sun, 19 Feb 2012
Source: Daily Times, The (MD)
Copyright: 2012 The Daily Times
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Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/116
Author: Bill O'Reilly
Note: Bill O'Reilly is host of "The O'Reilly Factor" on Fox News and author of "Pinheads and Patriots: Where You Stand in the Age of Obama." Visit www.billoreilly.com .

WHY WHITNEY DIED

The media have no bleepin' clue how to cover the death of Whitney
Houston. That's because she was slowly dying for years and many in the
press simply averted their eyes.

It was ultra-disturbing that a beautiful woman blessed with an
extraordinary singing voice chose a self-destructive path in full view
of the world. I mean, here is a person who signed a $100 million
recording contract, actually sold 170 million albums and commanded
high six figures to deliver a 90-minute concert. Houston was a genuine
international star, and yet she often was seen in public disheveled
and confused, her substance addiction apparent. The media did not know
what to say.

We live in a time in which addiction is categorized as a disease, and
to do what Nancy Reagan once did and urge people to reject narcotics
is considered uncool. How many young performers do we see doing public
service announcements warning children to avoid intoxication? Right
now, I can't think of one.

The national media pride themselves on being nonjudgmental. In the
arena of personal behavior, there's an excuse for just about every
nonviolent activity and bad decision.

There is no question some of us have a history of addiction in our
families. There are folks who can use drugs casually and avoid
dependence, but they are the exception. Once a person dabbles in
cocaine, or opiates such as heroin and OxyContin, they are at grave
risk. And they know it. There are legions of famous people who wound
up dead just like Houston. From Elvis Presley to Michael Jackson, the
signposts are impossible to miss. No matter how rich and powerful you
are, drugs can and will destroy you.

The current medical marijuana ruse is a great example of a society
walking away from a responsible position. Ask any drug rehab
counselor, and he or she will tell you that pot often leads a person
to harder drug use and is mentally addictive itself. Yes, most people
can function while stoned. But the more you alter your mind the more
your perspective on life changes. Believe me, I know people who get
stoned or drunk every day. They become incredibly desensitized to
those around them.

On the kid front, the situation is dire. Once a child enters the world
of intoxication, childhood is gone. Presto, they are jaded. That's how
dangerous drugs and alcohol are to immature minds. Society has an
obligation to protect its children.

Houston, however, was an adult who made a decision to embrace the drug
life.

Reports say she tried to rehabilitate herself a few times, but you
know how that goes. Once a person enters the hell of addiction, there
is no easy way out.

And that's how the Whitney Houston story should be covered. As a
cautionary tale. Another life vanquished by substance abuse.
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MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.