How meth took hold on Indian reservation

[homesick_american 1]

You see the same thing in any high poverty area / group - crime, substance abuse and high rates of depression & suicide.

Yes, I know. That doesn't mean taking drugs isn't a conscious choice, though.

Not saying it isn't. But it might be accurate to suggest that a person's choices are influenced somewhat by their circumstances and general outlook.

Perhaps, but I don't see that as an excuse.

[Mags 112]

You see the same thing in any high poverty area / group - crime, substance abuse and high rates of depression & suicide.

Yes, I know. That doesn't mean taking drugs isn't a conscious choice, though.

Not saying it isn't. But it might be accurate to suggest that a person's choices are influenced somewhat by their circumstances and general outlook.

Perhaps, but I don't see that as an excuse.

It's not an excuse, it's a reason.

I think that unless any of us actually have lived in the shoes of a American Indian (with high levels of poverty and unemployment and a general air of hopelessness pervading their lives) then none of us have the authority to judge them.

Edited May 2, 2007 by mags

[homesick_american 1]

You see the same thing in any high poverty area / group - crime, substance abuse and high rates of depression & suicide.

Yes, I know. That doesn't mean taking drugs isn't a conscious choice, though.

Not saying it isn't. But it might be accurate to suggest that a person's choices are influenced somewhat by their circumstances and general outlook.

Perhaps, but I don't see that as an excuse.

It's not an excuse, it's a reason.

I think that unless any of us actually have lived in the shoes of a American Indian (with high levels of poverty and unemployment and a general air of hopelessness pervading their lives) then none of us have the authority to judge them.

I'm sure it sucks; I'm not disputing that. The point I'm trying to make is that taking drugs is an individual decision. It's a conscious choice. You can decide not to.