Editor, Times-Union: I have been reading letters for the past few weeks here in the Times-Union from both sides of the issue of drugs, addiction, punishment and education. As in most cases I think and speak to God and pray for answers before I sit down and write my own feelings. At first I said, “Yeah! Why don't we do more to educate these people that screwed-up and lost their way?” The more I read the clearer it becomes that so many of them want a magic bullet – a quick fix if you will. For the life of me I can’t understand what they want us to do. They should know that drugs are illegal and they are going to mess up your life even after the first time they get caught. If someone doesn’t know how big of a mess they are going to get into after spending time in jail for one night, I don’t think we can make them wake-up.
When running for office in Warsaw, one of the things I said was we need to educate our young about drugs. I still feel that way but I’m talking to the parents of the very young. As soon as your child can reason even a little bit, speak to them about life and the rules of the road. There is no free ride. We can not eat all the cake and candy we want and remain healthy. The same applies to all things. God speaks to us in the Bible about gluttony and coveting things. He is telling us to get control over our desires and have faith in him that we can live without many things and limit the things that are bad for us in large amounts.
In the ’80s I got caught driving my truck after leaving a restaurant and I was right at the limit allowed by law. It cost me time and money and all kinds of things and it really stunk. When I go out with friends or even my wife, the first thing I say is you have a drink if you want, I’ll have a beer when we get home if I feel like it.
In the ’70s most of us smoked cigs. After burning my fingers, my cloths and a brand new Chevy Blazer I had just bought and was leaving the dealership. I decided this is for the birds and quit with the strength of the Holy Spirit. I could go on and on and with habits I have had to change because of my age, the law and my belief that it was not right in God's eyes.
I want to say to everyone, if you are doing something, anything, that you know is wrong and please be honest, you know the difference. Get on you knees even if it’s just inside your heart and say to him, “Lord I can not do this alone so I beg you in the name of Jesus give me the power of the Holy spirit to beat this problem.” Then keep the faith he will never ever let you down, you have my word and even more important the word of Jesus Christ.
If anyone thinks the law of the land is tough you have a huge awakening when faced with the judgment of the God that gave you the freedom do choose right from wrong. It is not too late to change as long as you are still alive but here lies the problem, you never know when it is all going to end.
