Editorial Get thee behind me
Is life truly that bad? So bad that so many of our otherwise strong citizenry feel compelled to turn to drugs as a form of escapism?
Once again, the Paintsville Herald staff has been hard pressed to turn a blind eye to the many charges filed in our local courthouse that are of a drug-related nature.
Charges of domestic violence, driving under the influence, teenagers acting out at school to the point that law enforcement officials must be called, even charges pressed against those attempting to smuggle illegal substances into our local detention center — the charges are different, but the underlying aggravator remains the same.
With the paperwork piled high upon the counter, one would easily assume that the mantra of our local residents has become “Drugs, drugs, and more drugs.”
The seriousness of the situation has even hit us hard right here at our very own publication as we were saddened this week to learn of one of our very own — a former editor — that has, once again, fallen victim to the area’s most voracious predator.
Blessed beyond measure to be born into an area in which each glance of the eye reminds of the prodigious talent of the One from which we came, we can’t help but wonder how, with observing each and every day the pristine beauty of the natural world around us, that so many of us think nothing of defiling that of which we should hold most dear — our very own bodies.
Stemming from a generational history of a people that treasured the land, treasured their families, and held close the pride that allowed them to wax strong in both mind and body, it seems such a sad statement, and disrespect to those that came before us, to allow substances so ugly — and unnatural — to take residence in our lives.
What was once a strong people — perhaps among the very strongest in the land — are now weakened to the point that many of us wonder if ever the strength that lies within will again regain the capability to rise up, look the ugly demon in the eye and say — and mean it — “Get thee behind me ... now.”
With the strains of a primary church song ringing in our heads — “My body is the temple, my Father gave to me” — we sincerely hope that all who struggle will find a way to break free the bonds of addiction. Feb 5, 2010, 08:00
