The Weekend...

So I have probably moaned and groaned about this before, but here goes...

So many students going down to the shore for the holiday. Fine. But they are not necessarily there to go to the beach. The houses are scummy and rented by unscrupulous people. And there is a large amount of alcohol and probably drugs. Of course no one says that in such a clear way in front of me so that I cannot report it - and boy would I. But you always hear about it way after the fact. There also seems to be some fascination with those who do drugs and there was a recent party bust with students in participation.

I may look young and it may be assumed I took part in that when I was in high school. However, I did not. I let the students know this. I don't think they all believe me. Those who do, some appreciate the fact that I validate their clean living. Others think I am a loser for it.

So my opinion of these activities... Alcohol has a long history as a beverage to be enjoyed. I am half-Italian and understand the craft of making wine as a few relatives make their own. You cannot enjoy the beverage if you are drunk out of your mind - and most of what they drink is not enjoyable. Drugs are illegal, plain and simple. And I do believe that the majority of people in this area do take part. So for those kids who think they are breaking the rules and being daring, unique, different... well, you are not. Those of us who do not and never have are the unique ones theses days kiddies... Another reason I do not like drugs are the incarceration statistics. I care too much about equality to ignore this. There are more minorities in prison for drug offenses but are they really outnumbering the drug users that much? No they are not.

http://www.sentencingproject.org/doc/publications/rd_stateratesofincbyraceandethnicity.pdf


There's also such a connection to such horrible gang wars in countries where drugs are big business. If you have read anything about the murders and rapes and kidnappings in Mexico, you couldn't, in good consciousness, take part in that business, regardless of how far down the chain you are. But that does not dawn on or bother any of the "cool" people who partake...

And my last reason... I like to be in control of what I feel and what happens to me. There are so many variables we cannot control. But I like to be conscious of what is going on at all times. Why put myself at risk when I don't need to be?

Every year the same old story: rent the house, get someone to buy the alcohol, leave earlier in the week than Senior Cut Day, get drunk or drugged up out of your mind, maybe get raided by the cops and brag like you are a rebel. But rebels do their own thing and the students the go DTS for MDW and drink and do drugs are not...

I just wish I could get through to all of you...