How quaint times past often seem when viewed from a modern perspective. Up until 1914 it was actually possible to purchase from a grocery or drugstore not only morphine, but also opium, heroin and cocaine.  You could even place an order with Sears to receive a home delivery of your chosen substance(s), which was at least a rather more civilized way of conducting your business than is currently the case.  And yet despite the absence of any governmental regulations regarding narcotics, the number of people who fell into addiction was approximately what it is now.  Although it has to be said, in the olden days the public was spared the not inconsiderable problem of drug related crime.  By allowing people to exercise their fundamental right to consume any substance of their choosing and regardless of the physically damaging consequences, was still to the ultimate benefit of society at large.   “War on Drugs” the term was in fact first used by Richard Nixon, way back in 1971.  Though perhaps adding the prefix unwinnable might be more accurate, not to say honest.  Why unwinnable though?  Perhaps a more revealing way of phrasing that would be no intention to win.  Consider that the cost to the public in the US alone in order to fund drug related law enforcement, has been estimated to be

“Daddy says I’m not supposed to talk about Mommy.  He says I’m not supposed to think about her cause she’s not supposed to be my mommy anymore.  He says Crystal is my new mommy.  She lives in the RV too.” “Well, I tell you what Nicky, why don’t you finish your chocolate and then you and I can take a ride into town and we will look for your dad and Crystal.”  He smiled as Jake poured him a cup of coffee. “Can we find my Mommy too?  I miss her.” “We can sure try, son.  But I need to know her whole name and her address.  Do you know where she lives” “4223 Maple Drive.” “Great!  And what town?” “Springfield.” “Oh, which Springfield?” Nicky shrugged and sipped his hot chocolate.  Tom looked at Jake and shook his head.  “Well, it’s a start.  There’s a whole lot of towns named Springfield in this country.  Well, finish up your hot chocolate Nicky and let’s go into town and try to find your Mama.” ** *** ** The Sheriff’s office buzzed with activity as the three of them walked through the door.  Nicky clung tightly to Jake’s calloused hand.  “Oh, hey Sheriff, I was fixing to call you.” Said Deputy Smith.  “We got a couple of dead bodies out by the RV

 What happened to common sense and the joy once felt solving one’s life problems?  Where did that toddler mentality go?  How did it wash away?  From snug-as-a-bug in a rug in a tiny little crib, running along in hopes and dreams, then, climbing up into a king.  Does ego take-over, simply having a need to understand, and, then get lost in being right, or, not being able to be?  Why does ego step in and complicate life, when, it is could so easily leave without a trace?  Can compassion, patience, tolerance and understanding (the traits of love) bring us back to the Security once felt—as we were snug-as-a-bug in a little crib.  The tides-turn with anger, vengeance, chaos and waring, yet, a simple wave-action can bring in wealth, health, peace.  A few weeks of hard-firestone thinking, full of hoping and dreaming, and, you joyfully complete a project, as, you mow your way through a set of regulations to bring wealth, health and peace to your state.  One-by-one the toddler-mentality spreads from shore-to-shore, then, continent to continent.  The Child of The Past steps in, to capture the security longed for, so-long-ago left behind.  Life became complicated and confusing when the toddler-like-mentality fell to the rising Rule of Man.   Imagine, with deep-feelings the generational gratitude, that you chose to feel snug-as-a-bug, when you welcomed the Prime Law into your

The old man sat alone at the edge of his dock.  His body slumped in his lawn chair; his fishing line hung limply in the water.  Such was his daily routine.  Emma had loved it here.  It had been their weekend escape from the noise of the city, their home base for their retirement dreams.  After the cancer took Emma his pristine lake had become his refuge.  On this morning an irritating noise broke the stillness.  He looked up in time to see a wave runner careening wildly.  As the craft drew closer, to his horror, Jake spied a small child, about 4 years old, clinging to the driver of the PWC.  The wave runner made another quick turn; the child lost his grip and tumbled into the water.  Unaware of his loss, the man sped away. Jake pulled off his boots and dove into the water after the boy.  He moved with the swift steady strokes he had developed through years of competitive swimming.  Within moments he had reached the child, who bobbed up and down in his life vest. “It’s okay son, I’ve got you.”  Jake secured his big hand around the boy’s chest.  “I’m going to take you to shore.  You’re going to be fine.” “Daddeeeeee!”  the boy screamed.  “Daddy come back.” “Just relax son, and let