[JimRed]

Drugs (the tragic number fentanyl deaths is heartbreaking as it is largely preventable)

To use/abuse drugs is a CHOICE. If you CHOOSE TO USE you risk death. Fentanyl deaths will only cease when the undesirables in our population CHOOSE NOT TO USE.

[Seaplaner]

I used to think much the same thing until I attended a training session hosted by our local PD.

The training officer said that HE used to think much the same thing, however as he was assigned to the drug detail, he learned that many, many of the folks who are addicted were innocently so. Back injuries, other uncontrolled pain, and war wounds. Folks only wanted relief from constant pain.

Pain pills were over-prescribed for decades, and this includes wounded military and Veterans.

Many fine folks were left, abandoned actually, with an unsurmountable habit, lost their income, home and families.

I don't say this is all, or even most, but I was able to develop a soft spot for the innocently addicted, so many of whom live in tents or less.