By Myra Hogan
August 6, 2008 — Well, you may have guessed it. I just had to share my “personal” opinion on the continuing destruction of our county’s society by drug use and addiction.
We see many are charged with trafficking…one pill at a time.
But, who are they - the users who are caught in a deadly demonic trap?
And, who are the so-called “middle-men” who provide the transportation and means for the travel to Florida or elsewhere so they can cash in on 1/2 the goods?
The “little people” are like pawns in their hands. It’s all for a profit.
So what if some die along the way of an overdose, car wreck or other related tragedy – that’s just their fault for being stupid, right?
But, who are these “middle men and women” and whom are they “buying” in our local society?
Dare we look a little closer - demand a few more answers?
Oh, most may not know what you’re doing, but the one whom all will be accountable to sees and knows.
While many are very thankful that some doctors have been arrested and will stand trial, what about the other 10+ doctors in Florida and the ones now being visited by Carter County residents in other states?
I feel sick to my stomach every time I hear a parent or grandparent as they describe the anguish each morning and each night brings, as they struggle, waiting to hear from a son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter. They wonder and pray, “Lord, what else can I do?”
“Will they make it home today? Will they call? Are they dead or alive?”
I’ve seen parents who are literally physically sick and no doubt feel they are dying inside a little more each day. You can see the wear and tear on their minds, bodies and spirits.
Why has this deadly plague come upon us? Where, when will it end?
“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:13)
But, like the words to an old song, should we not “rescue the perishing, care for the dying, snatch them in pity from sin and the grave.”
I would like to ask the people who organize and sell drugs in our county a question (many who have an influential status of some sort).
Do you ever sit and think about what you’re doing when you hear about a family breaking up, an overdose, a murder or a death due to drugs?
Do you not think the blood of those sacrificed will be on your hands?
Surely there’s a payday someday.
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sow, that shall he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)
My suggestion would be ask God to forgive you and pray for grace to face and overcome the consequences of your actions.
Now, on another train of thought…
How many times have you heard our federally elected officials and even our presidential candidates speak on the concerns of our drug-addicted society?
I guess I missed most of those interviews.
Seems we all need to join together and seek more help on the national level. Kentucky has in place the KASPER program to help track doctor shoppers. Why can’t our federal government force the same from each state?
(The Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting System (KASPER) tracks controlled substance prescriptions dispensed within the state. A KASPER report shows all scheduled prescriptions for an individual over a specified time period, the prescriber and the dispenser. Enhanced KASPER (eKASPER) provides Web-based access to KASPER data.)
In a recent Carter County Drug Task Force meeting, Veronica Nunley presented a training class on Advocacy (active support for a cause or position).
The first question she asked was – How many have contacted their elected officials within the past month?
Ouch! That was a hard-hitting question.
Well, at the end of this column you will find addresses and phone numbers to help get national attention concerning the plague of drug addiction we face here in our county.
Haven’t we lost more citizens to the drug problem than any other one cause?
If you are one of the many devastated by what’s been happening, know others whose lives have been devastated, concerned for you children or grandchildren’s future, or are concerned citizens, please write and call often.
First, here are some hints Nunley gave to consider when writing.
• Explain who you are and the issue you are writing about – be concise (2-4 sentences)
• Include relevant facts
• Describe your purpose in writing: why are you writing, what do you want the person to do, who will benefit, and why should they do what you want them to do.
• Thank them for their time and consideration
• Include date, complete name, address, phone number and email address (if applicable)
• Have someone proof read.
Here are her tips for making phone calls.
• Make a list of talking points before you call
• Briefly state the reason for the call
• Ask if they have a few minutes to talk or if they would like to schedule another time
• If they invite you to continue, go into details (if they don’t have time, schedule another time)
• Be respectful (even if the person is not interested in what you’re saying) and thank them for their time
• Be persistent – keep calling until you reach someone who can help your cause
She also added tips for legislative visits:
• Send a letter, fax, email or make a phone call requesting a visit
• Identify your self as a constituent
• Follow-up to confirm appointment time
• Arrive on time
• Bring 2-4 colleagues
• Agree on the message and who will make which points
• Try to deliver message in 3 minutes
• Be prepared to answer questions
• Be a resource for the policy maker and/or her/her staff
• Provide material to support your position
• Follow up with a thank you letter and requested materials
Now, here is the contact
information:
• President George W. Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Phone Numbers
Comments: 202-456-1111
FAX: 202-456-2461
http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
• U.S. KY Senator Mitch McConnell
Washington Office
361-A Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-2541
Fax: (202) 224-2499
http://mcconnell.senate.gov/contact.cfm
• U.S. KY Senator Jim Bunning
Washington, D.C.
316 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Main: 202.224.4343
Fax: 202.228.1373
http://bunning.senate.gov/public/
• U.S. KY Fourth District Representative Geoff Davis
Washington, DC Office
1108 Longworth Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-3465 phone
(202) 225-0003 fax
• Ashland District Office
1405 Greenup Ave., Suite 236
Ashland, KY 41101
(606) 324-9898 phone
(606) 325-9866 fax
http://geoffdavis.house.gov/Contact.aspx
• Barrack Obama Campaign Headquarters by phone, (866) 675-2008
Address:
Obama for America
P.O. Box 8102
Chicago, IL 60680
Email: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/contact/
•John McCain.com (website)
info@johnmccain.com (email)
Senator John McCain
Washington Office:
241 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Main: 202-224-2235
Fax: 202-228-2862
And, here are contacts at the state level:
• KY Governor Steve Beshear
700 Capitol Avenue, Suite 100
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
Main Line: (502) 564-2611
Fax: (502) 564-2517
http://governor.ky.gov/contact/contact.htm
•KY Senator Charlie Borders
702 Capitol Ave
Annex Room 204
Frankfort KY 40601
Work: (606) 327-4507
Call the Toll-Free Legislative Message Line at 1-800-372-7181 to leave a message.
http://www.lrc.ky.gov/Legislator/S018.htm
• Representative Robin L. Webb
House District 96
404 W Main Street
Grayson KY 41143
Frankfort Address(es)
702 Capitol Ave
Annex Room 316C
Frankfort KY 40601
Annex: (502) 564-8100 Ext. 684
Email: Robin.Webb@lrc.ky.gov
Thanks for taking the time!
God Bless!
Myra
