Pubdate: Thu, 18 Apr 2002
Source: Montgomery Journal (MD)
Copyright: 2002 The Journal Newspapers
Contact:  http://cold.jrnl.com/cfdocs/new/mc/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/545
Author: Saul Goldberg
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/campaign.htm (ONDCP Media Campaign)

APPEAL TO ADDICTS FOR HELP IS GOOD IDEA - NOT!

I am a devoted admirer of genius wherever and whenever it should rear its 
ugly head. And I am totally awe-struck at the idea of tapping the deep 
mother-lode vein of patriotism of American drug addicts, as suggested in 
recent TV commercials. The thought of harnessing this force to eradicate 
international terrorism is inspired beyond words.

Surely these addicts, who for whatever other worthy reasons have up to now 
steadfastly "refused" to kick it, will link arms and unanimously go cold 
turkey for the greater good of the country that has persecuted, prosecuted, 
disdained and ignored them! I would; you would; and they will!

On the other hand and much more realistically and seriously, if we each 
trimmed our travel and climate control-related energy consumption by 3 
percent, we could have a vastly greater impact (by a multiplying factor of 
thousands) on the terrorist coffers. Furthermore, we would set a better 
example for the rest of the world, which very carefully watches the 
American model of commerce and fashion.

We won't, of course. And that is why relying on the patriotism of drug 
addicts is so brilliant! Neither will happen, and it is a terrific use of 
"blue smoke and mirrors" to distract us.

Gosh, I wisht I'da thought of that! I coulda been president, maybe! I can 
even pronounce "nuclear" properly.

SAUL GOLDBERG

Gaithersburg
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