DEALING DRUGS? STOP, THINK
If I could speak to young people selling drugs or who are contemplating selling drugs to their fellow human beings, I would tell them: STOP AND THINK about what you are doing. Seriously, stop and think; for the benefit of your future, cut this commentary out and carefully read it over.
First, you must realize that the people to whom you sell drugs get hurt by your actions, which lead many of them into addiction, wasted lives of chasing drug highs, lost income, declining health, possible serious drug overdoses and even death. Not only do you hurt your fellow man, you also hurt the caring family, friends and loved ones of the people whom you introduced into the drug culture and whom you then try to keep in the drug scene so that you can make more money. That’s really what it is all about, if you think about it: You want to make money, without working for it.
Even if you lack a conscience, then think about yourself and your future. You may think you’re leading an exciting life as a drug dealer but, in reality, you are actually on a path to self-destruction that will eventually bring misery beyond your imagination. Initially, you may gain easy money by selling drugs, but one thing is certain: You, like all drug dealers before you, will be caught if you continue selling drugs. You may sell drugs once, five times or a hundred times before being caught. In the end, however, the illegal wealth you gained from the misery of others will be taken from you, and you will miss the future joys of your potential life as you sit in an 8-by-10 prison cell for many years. Also, you will not only hurt yourself but your family and your friends who care about you. Think about the trauma and humiliation your parents and family will feel when you are eventually arrested and imprisoned.
So, drug dealer, if you care about
your future, what is the answer?
First, do no harm to other people. You will sleep much better at night not worrying
about hurting others, the SWAT team knocking down your door, associates informing
on you, and undercover police agents trying to arrest you.
Next, walk away from the drug culture and the negative influence of other dealers
and drug users. Start a new life now and simply earn an income by honest work.
Don’t waste your future on a foolish choice that looks like an easy path,
but is not.
In closing, if you are not a drug dealer but know someone who is, cut this “My
Word” column out, send it to that person and tell him or her: Stop and
seriously think about what you are doing — before it is too late.
William Lutz is head of the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, a 12- agency
law-enforcement task force that investigates narcotics, vice and organized crime.
URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1261/a02.html Newshawk:
http://www.journeyforjustice.org
Pubdate: Wed, 20 Aug 2003 Source: Orlando Sentinel (FL)
Copyright: 2003 Orlando Sentinel
Contact: insight@orlandosentinel.com Website: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/325