"First it was Michael Jackson, then Amy Winehouse, now the magnificent Whitney Houston," he told the audience. "I'd like every person in this room to campaign to legalize drugs. Let's legalize drugs like they did in Amsterdam. No one's hiding or sneaking around corners to get it. They go to a doctor to get it."
Of all the events, people, politics, and goings on right now, I would have never imagined that Tony Bennett would be the driving force for me to hit “publish.” Some media outlets have taken this comment and tossed it into oblivion to focus on the events surrounding Whitney’s death. Others have downplayed the remark with a quick mention before it’s tossed into oblivion to make more room for the events surrounding Whitney’s death. Tony’s statement is one of the most asinine, yet unintentionally profound statements of the year for me. Unfortunately, Bennett got it twisted. So this miniature, microscopic outlet of mine will parlay it into an opportunity to address the widespread delusion of responsibility and accountability in regards to substance abuse.
Think about those two words: SUBSTANCE ABUSE. It does NOT matter if a substance is legal, illegal, prescription, OTC, etc. IT DOES NOT MATTER.
Kids are still sniffing glue. Would that be considered substance abuse? I know it's objective based on one's individual perspective. However, the legality of a substance has no bearing on the actual abuse or addiction. With absolutely no statistical data, I'm going to go with my gut and state that prescription drug abuse accounts for more than 50% of all substance abuse cases. This would fall into the category of "legal substances." However, so does alcohol, OTC drugs, glue, and food for that matter. I won't go into the difference between substance abuse and addiction. But both CAN be damaging, depending on the substance of course. Some refer to this as "battling demons," which is not exclusively used for drugs and alcohol. With that said, I'd like someone to notify Tony that people are hiding and sneaking around corners for alcohol, prescription drugs, and even food which can result in undesired consequences. However, I have yet to hear a story about someone dying from an overdose of marijuana. Go figure.
Somehow the meaning of responsibility has changed, especially in regards to personal responsibility and accountability. Ultimately, everyone is responsible for their own actions. I know we’ve all heard this thousands and thousands of times. But the meaning is evolving and adapting based on social & financial status. I’m aware that there are many situations and circumstances that would impair one’s ability to act responsibly. But it all begins with a conscious decision to participate. Unfortunately for celebrities, the "yes men" and minions make it easier for celebs to get their hands on the substance of choice to cope with whatever issues they're experiencing. Tony mentioned three celebrities. We all know that there are hundreds more celebrities and thousands of other people battling substance abuse. The Average Joe can get substances with little to no additional effort than from celebrities. Having a good support system is beneficial to those battling substance abuse. But there is always the possibility that, regardless of the amount or level of support, some people succumb to addiction and never recover. This is their decision and they must be held accountable for their own actions. We cannot always hold ourselves solely responsible for the actions of loved ones suffering from substance abuse, although we do.
It's not fame. It's not fortune. It's not success. It's not failure. It's the human condition.
Battling my own "demons" right now is a realistic reminder. I wish peace, understanding, and strength to anyone suffering and experiencing challenges arising from issues with substance abuse...especially the family, friends, and fans of Whitney.
*was i the only one hoping that Eddie Murphy would reprise his "Sexual Chocolate" role from Coming to America and crash the Grammy's with his soulful rendition of The Greatest Love of All?
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