“Dick Rowland Image”
Treena Shapiro reported in ”’The Honolulu Advertiser”’ July 12, 2003, “HPD predicts ice numbers will surpass ’02” that police, focusing on inanimate objects like “ice” and “homes and establishments” see worse problems coming. Then Honolulu Prosecutor, Peter Carlisle, was quoted as wanting to “stop children from using the drug while they are still casual users” and worrying they will become a “perpetual slave to addiction.”
With that kind of thinking, you darn right we have a serious problem. Several of them, in fact. First, ice or any other drug is inert and harmless unless ingested. Individuals ingest it mostly because they want to do so. Thus, if there is a problem it is not ice, it is people. The police are focusing on ice and ice houses when people should be holding their attention. Then Peter Carlisle waits until the child “uses” and then wants to stop it.
What is wrong with developing the character traits that will help provide the strength to never start?
Finally, Mr. Carlisle makes excuses for the user who becomes a “perpetual slave to addiction.” If a human being is helpless as a “victim” of ice or any other substance, he or she chooses to be such. To believe otherwise is to deny human strength and resourcefulness. Peter Carlisle, essentially saying the “devil makes them do it,” becomes an enabler. The solution? Intolerance throughout the community. Massive intolerance. For users, enablers, sellers, manufacturers and all who want to medically “treat” people who choose to use.
Is there an alternative? Of course. It is tolerance. Tolerate users, sellers, enablers, quacks etc. unless they hurt or damage another innocent person. Then throw the book at them — intolerantly.
”’Richard O. Rowland is president of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, a non-partisan, non-profit public policy institute focused on promoting the free-market, individual freedom and liberty. He can be reached via email at:”’ mailto:grassroot@hawaii.rr.com