Amen..............

And for what its worth....a neighborhood friend died homeless about 5 years ago...similar to this chick but he just never even made it to the big leagues at all. And yeah...it ripped the guts out his folks at times.

Know what else? They were relieved when he died. They at least knew it was over. It was easier on them than wondering where he was, if he was hurt, etc etc.

Charmed life? Super genetic speciman? You obviously don't know my family or medical history. I'm a guy who gets up greatful to have a medical and happy to be able to walk. I value my life too much to squander it with drugs. I think a lot of addicts simply overlook the value of what they already have. But sorry if my "internet persona" has let you down. You get what you see with me--and those who've known me longest will tell you that even if you don't like what I have to say I'm not going to lie to you or sugar coat what I have to say. If this was your family member--I'm genuinely sorry. If you are hurting from a loss--I wish you the best. There were victims here--the family. But this gal--IMHO--wasn't a victim of society. She made bad decisions, failed to use available resources, and left a lot of pain and misery in her wake.

It was a reference to babies being born addicted to crack. While 'addiction' may be a disease (which I don't buy because it's PC bull-****), the choice to start or not is what ultimately matters... I feel for the families that are affected by the poor decisions and/or selfishness of their relatives. While I believe the story that started this post is sad and wouldn't wish it upon anyone, I, like Albie, have little sympathy for someone who CHOOSES an unwise path.

Sounds like you're not the right guy for another job......ALPA leadership!
Dude, you've got a lot to learn.

You are not being very compassionate to Albie. I guess that disqualifies you for ALPO leadership also.

Wait I'm not playing nice with you; I guess I'm disqualified. And I was counting on busboy's vote.

I would agree that families are the victims also. The addicts do make bad choices. I'm sorry you do not "buy" what is considered a medical "fact". It is not PC. Go ask ANY physician, nurse, psychologist, social worker, mental health worker, etc. Look it up yourself in a medical journal. Some people think that people with mental illness are "faking it." I hope you are not one of them. I know first hand how addiction can ruin a family. I would not wish it upon my worst enemy. Yes, there can be a sad sense of relief if the person dies. It is called closure. That is all.

PS Sorry you never got to fly a real AF jet.

Man, I picked a bad day to stop sniffing glue.

And what would that be?

Nice try, MM. But have you heard of little gadgets like MRIs, PET scans and DNA markers? This is MEDICAL SCIENCE, not psychology any more. Get into the 21st Century or stop commenting on things you don't know anything about. Read my post again. Some people don't have enough insulin. They're called diabetics. Some people don't have enough gamma-aminobutyric acid. They're called addicts.

The mighty A-7.