Effective July 1, only a few weeks from now, neighboring state Florida begins a new program of drug testing welfare recipients. With South Carolina’s republican governor, can Columbia be far behind?
Conservative leaders around the country are beginning to say, “unfair for taxpayers to subsidize drug addiction” with a recent push toward drug testing welfare recipients. “Under new laws, those applying for public assistance will be responsible for the cost of the drug screening tests. If they qualify for the program, they will recoup the cost of the testing from the program” states a recent About.com article.
Obvious challenges and objections to these new laws have been, 1) how are children affected 2) invasion of privacy and 3) are families receiving Medicaid, state emergency relief, or educational grants and loans next?
In answering some of these complaints, proponents of the legislation have come up with the following; "if someone is applying for assistance for children and they fail the test, they can designate another person to receive the benefits on behalf of their children". A novel idea but abuse of the law may still be possible.
The undocumented driving force behind these conservative positions is the simple fact that many states are having great difficulties balancing state budgets in the current economic environment. Simply put, many states are near bankruptcy and are seeking economic solutions at every turn.
Also, a recent CNN.com article has disclosed a growing new problem of hallucinogenic designer drugs known as "bath salts." "The chemical substances found in 'bath salts' constitute a significant threat to health and public safety. Poison control centers are beginning to report a lot of calls of 'bath salts' abuse." The drugs "are readily available at convenience stores, discount tobacco outlets, gas stations, pawnshops, tattoo parlors, and truck stops, among other locations” reports CNN.
If you enjoy this column, please subscribe. If you would like to participate, submit questions or make comments, you may do so here or contact the author at: AnthonyEBaker@Hotmail.com or visit the author’s recovery and sobriety blog at Tony’s Sobriety Rack. If you or a loved one is suffering in Columbia SC with addiction issues or for further assistance with chemical dependence and addiction, please see: Columbia Treatment Centers. Additional addiction questions can be channeled through Columbia’s Alcoholics Anonymous Intergroup office located at:
AA Intergroup
3014 Devine Street, Room 103
Columbia SC 29205
(803) 254-5301
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
TOO Addicted to Technology 2
Just how severe a problem does Columbia SC have with technology addiction? In seeking answers to this question, this Examiner has sought out various professionals in the Columbia community and considering this is an “addiction” column, what professional could possibly be better than a local pharmacist? Thusly, Ms Vera Tumbling, head pharmacist of a local retail Rx for a nationally well known pharmacy chain enters the conversation:
Ms Tumbling was asked about the problems she sees arising from technology addiction. The seasoned pharmacist responds with voluminous reports depicting customers coming to counters or drive through windows with cell phones in their ears and paying far more attention to a conversation than the prescription transaction they came to the store for. Ms. Tumbling reports that it is impossible for her to do her job as a conscientious pharmacist when the patient/customer is not paying attention. Ms. Tumbling goes on to describe the brief interaction that takes place between a pharmacist and a patient when she indicates she always needs a few brief seconds to explain the patients medication and any side effects or complications that may arise from taking the new prescription.
If these few moments were not frustrating enough, reports Ms Tumbling, the experienced pharmacist goes on to explain the federal guidelines she must function within, otherwise known as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability Act), where she is bound by federal law to operate within certain restrictions regarding the patients or customers privacy. Ms Tumbling explains “it is impossible to communicate with people that are paying more attention to a private phone conversation than what she has to say”.
If customer issues were not enough, Ms Tumbling continues to explain, further difficulties encountered escalate with young / newer employees that simply insist on using their cell phones, Facebook and other technologies while on the job. Ms Tumbling explains that all national pharmaceutical employers have now adopted corporate guidelines and policies policing the personal use of today’s technologies. Ms Tumbling explains in her company, it is against corporate policy to log Facebook entries making any comments regarding the company or work related issues. The pharmacist explains that breaching this policy is punishable by immediate termination!
Have I mentioned you can Google me?
If you or a loved one is suffering in Columbia SC with addiction issues or for further assistance with chemical dependence and addiction, please see: Columbia Treatment Centers. Additional addiction questions can be channeled through Columbia’s Alcoholics Anonymous Intergroup office located at:
AA Intergroup
3014 Devine Street, Room 103
Columbia SC 29205
(803) 254-5301
Ms Tumbling was asked about the problems she sees arising from technology addiction. The seasoned pharmacist responds with voluminous reports depicting customers coming to counters or drive through windows with cell phones in their ears and paying far more attention to a conversation than the prescription transaction they came to the store for. Ms. Tumbling reports that it is impossible for her to do her job as a conscientious pharmacist when the patient/customer is not paying attention. Ms. Tumbling goes on to describe the brief interaction that takes place between a pharmacist and a patient when she indicates she always needs a few brief seconds to explain the patients medication and any side effects or complications that may arise from taking the new prescription.
If these few moments were not frustrating enough, reports Ms Tumbling, the experienced pharmacist goes on to explain the federal guidelines she must function within, otherwise known as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability Act), where she is bound by federal law to operate within certain restrictions regarding the patients or customers privacy. Ms Tumbling explains “it is impossible to communicate with people that are paying more attention to a private phone conversation than what she has to say”.
If customer issues were not enough, Ms Tumbling continues to explain, further difficulties encountered escalate with young / newer employees that simply insist on using their cell phones, Facebook and other technologies while on the job. Ms Tumbling explains that all national pharmaceutical employers have now adopted corporate guidelines and policies policing the personal use of today’s technologies. Ms Tumbling explains in her company, it is against corporate policy to log Facebook entries making any comments regarding the company or work related issues. The pharmacist explains that breaching this policy is punishable by immediate termination!
Have I mentioned you can Google me?
If you or a loved one is suffering in Columbia SC with addiction issues or for further assistance with chemical dependence and addiction, please see: Columbia Treatment Centers. Additional addiction questions can be channeled through Columbia’s Alcoholics Anonymous Intergroup office located at:
AA Intergroup
3014 Devine Street, Room 103
Columbia SC 29205
(803) 254-5301
TOO Addicted to Technology?
Has Columbia SC become too addicted to technology? As I witness my world around me and watch my children and other youth, I am often left with a sad feeling these young people simply could not function in a world without constant stimulation from technology. Can that be true?
A recent Columbia channel 10 WIS news article titled, “Disconnecting in a too-connected world” talks about actually detoxing and withdrawals from technology addiction. The articles author, a Ms Barbara Ortutay, admits Alcoholics Anonymous first step when she states “I readily admit that I am powerless and must be forced to break from email, text messages, Facebook and an endless stream of online news and blogs. I am an information addict to mobile service in an age where smartphones have become like limbs”.
Is this bad for our Columbia children?
A recent Denverchannel.com ABC channel 7 news article titled “Driver Films Alleged Texting Crash” attempts to discuss some of the dangers of technology addiction. The channel 7 article published a now popular YouTube video which filmed a teenage driver who was texting, swerving and then crashed. This video has been attached to this Examiner article and is compliments of Mr. Sean Symons who posted the video on YouTube May 27 under the title "Do not text and drive." (Warning, there is foul language.) The video is shocking as the driver swerves completely off the highway several times on both sides of the road before finally side swiping two cars and crashing off the opposite side of the highway, all because he was texting!
The texting youth was later proven to be free of any alcohol or drug use and completely “sober”. When subsequently shown the video and interviewed, the young man expressed alarm and could not believe what he had done while driving and texting.
Have I mentioned you can find me on Facebook?
If you enjoy this column, please subscribe. If you would like to participate, submit questions or make comments, you may do so here or contact the author at: AnthonyEBaker@Hotmail.com or visit the author’s recovery and sobriety blog at Tony’s Sobriety Rack. If you or a loved one is suffering in Columbia SC with addiction issues or for further assistance with chemical dependence and addiction, please see: Columbia Treatment Centers
Additional addiction questions can be channeled through Columbia’s Alcoholics Anonymous Intergroup office located at:
AA Intergroup
3014 Devine Street, Room 103
Columbia SC 29205
(803) 254-5301
A recent Columbia channel 10 WIS news article titled, “Disconnecting in a too-connected world” talks about actually detoxing and withdrawals from technology addiction. The articles author, a Ms Barbara Ortutay, admits Alcoholics Anonymous first step when she states “I readily admit that I am powerless and must be forced to break from email, text messages, Facebook and an endless stream of online news and blogs. I am an information addict to mobile service in an age where smartphones have become like limbs”.
Is this bad for our Columbia children?
A recent Denverchannel.com ABC channel 7 news article titled “Driver Films Alleged Texting Crash” attempts to discuss some of the dangers of technology addiction. The channel 7 article published a now popular YouTube video which filmed a teenage driver who was texting, swerving and then crashed. This video has been attached to this Examiner article and is compliments of Mr. Sean Symons who posted the video on YouTube May 27 under the title "Do not text and drive." (Warning, there is foul language.) The video is shocking as the driver swerves completely off the highway several times on both sides of the road before finally side swiping two cars and crashing off the opposite side of the highway, all because he was texting!
The texting youth was later proven to be free of any alcohol or drug use and completely “sober”. When subsequently shown the video and interviewed, the young man expressed alarm and could not believe what he had done while driving and texting.
Have I mentioned you can find me on Facebook?
If you enjoy this column, please subscribe. If you would like to participate, submit questions or make comments, you may do so here or contact the author at: AnthonyEBaker@Hotmail.com or visit the author’s recovery and sobriety blog at Tony’s Sobriety Rack. If you or a loved one is suffering in Columbia SC with addiction issues or for further assistance with chemical dependence and addiction, please see: Columbia Treatment Centers
Additional addiction questions can be channeled through Columbia’s Alcoholics Anonymous Intergroup office located at:
AA Intergroup
3014 Devine Street, Room 103
Columbia SC 29205
(803) 254-5301
President Obama says NO to legalizing marijuana
In Columbia South Carolina the debate continues to rage on regarding the pros and cons of legalizing marijuana and possibly other forms of recreational drugs. The pertinent questions still remain unanswered, “would this action of drug legalization really be good for the long term social moiré’s and families of Columbia SC not to mention what it would mean to the already overwhelming addiction problems our society and culture currently endures?”
One voice has clearly rang out on this subject and that being the opinions of our president of the United States of America. President Obama, in a CBSNEWS article, is quoted as saying “I opposes the legalization of marijuana…I do not think that's the right plan for America”. This CBS news article can be found at, “Obama: Legalizing Pot Won't Grow Economy”
The CBS news article goes on to discuss and debate many popular aspects of drug legalization such as; 1) would drug legalization help the economy? 2) would drug legalization help the prison over crowding problem? 3) would drug legalization help the debt and deficit problem? This is just to name a few issues but the overriding question still remains, “what would drug legalization do for Columbia’s addiction problems and Columbia’s families?” Until these imperative questions are fully examined and satisfactory answers provided to the public at large, do we as South Carolinians really want to tamper with the laws regarding this issue? This subject really does boil down to “what kind of Columbia do we want to leave to our children?”
If you enjoy this column, please subscribe. If you would like to participate, submit questions or make comments, you may do so here or contact the author at: AnthonyEBaker@Hotmail.com or visit the author’s recovery and sobriety blog at Tony’s Sobriety Rack. Further information may also be found at the following public sites:
Columbia Treatment Centers
AA Intergroup
3014 Devine Street, Room 103
ColumbiaSC 29205
(803) 254-5301
One voice has clearly rang out on this subject and that being the opinions of our president of the United States of America. President Obama, in a CBSNEWS article, is quoted as saying “I opposes the legalization of marijuana…I do not think that's the right plan for America”. This CBS news article can be found at, “Obama: Legalizing Pot Won't Grow Economy”
The CBS news article goes on to discuss and debate many popular aspects of drug legalization such as; 1) would drug legalization help the economy? 2) would drug legalization help the prison over crowding problem? 3) would drug legalization help the debt and deficit problem? This is just to name a few issues but the overriding question still remains, “what would drug legalization do for Columbia’s addiction problems and Columbia’s families?” Until these imperative questions are fully examined and satisfactory answers provided to the public at large, do we as South Carolinians really want to tamper with the laws regarding this issue? This subject really does boil down to “what kind of Columbia do we want to leave to our children?”
If you enjoy this column, please subscribe. If you would like to participate, submit questions or make comments, you may do so here or contact the author at: AnthonyEBaker@Hotmail.com or visit the author’s recovery and sobriety blog at Tony’s Sobriety Rack. Further information may also be found at the following public sites:
Columbia Treatment Centers
AA Intergroup
3014 Devine Street, Room 103
ColumbiaSC 29205
(803) 254-5301
Federal prosecutors head up drug taskforce in Orangeburg SC
A US attorney and SC solicitor (federal and county prosecutors) have been appointed to head up a drug taskforce and are being recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice for their efforts in fighting the war on drugs says a recent The State article.
The State goes on to say, “U.S. Attorney Bill Nettles and Orangeburg Solicitor David Pascoe have joined Deputy Attorney General James Cole in WashingtonDCto discuss their Drug Endangered Child Community Response Team”.
This task force is working with long time existing anti-drug campaigns such as educators and ministers to combat South Carolina drug issues.
“Nettles says children who are born into households where the parents use, make or distribute illicit drugs are nearly 60 percent more likely to be arrested than children who don't live in homes with drugs” continues the State article.
Mr. Bill Nettles and Mr. David Pascoe have just recently held their first anti-drug meeting in Orangeburg.
If you enjoy this column, please subscribe. If you would like to participate, submit questions or make comments, you may do so here or contact the author at: AnthonyEBaker@Hotmail.com or visit the author’s recovery and sobriety blog at Tony’s Sobriety Rack.
The State goes on to say, “U.S. Attorney Bill Nettles and Orangeburg Solicitor David Pascoe have joined Deputy Attorney General James Cole in WashingtonDCto discuss their Drug Endangered Child Community Response Team”.
This task force is working with long time existing anti-drug campaigns such as educators and ministers to combat South Carolina drug issues.
“Nettles says children who are born into households where the parents use, make or distribute illicit drugs are nearly 60 percent more likely to be arrested than children who don't live in homes with drugs” continues the State article.
Mr. Bill Nettles and Mr. David Pascoe have just recently held their first anti-drug meeting in Orangeburg.
If you enjoy this column, please subscribe. If you would like to participate, submit questions or make comments, you may do so here or contact the author at: AnthonyEBaker@Hotmail.com or visit the author’s recovery and sobriety blog at Tony’s Sobriety Rack.
Drug war failed; legalize marijuana – Would Columbia SC be better or worse?
It’s a simple question really, if marijuana were legalized, would Columbia South Carolina be a better place to live and raise families or worse?
A recent “The State” article titled “Major panel: Drug war failed; legalize marijuana” seems to be slanted in favor of drug legalization claiming“the global war on drugs has failed, with devastating consequences for individuals and societies around the world” which is the opinion of a UN commission or “major panel” on this matter.
The report goes on to emphatically state, “Political leaders and public figures should have the courage to articulate publicly what many of them acknowledge privately: that the evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that repressive strategies will not solve the drug problem, and that the war on drugs has not, and cannot, be won".
The real question that really matters in this debate is; "would Columbia SC be better off or worse off by legalizing marijuana and other controlled substances”? Would Columbia SC be a better or worse place to live and raise families? Would the addiction epidemic, which is raging in Columbia, be made better or worse?
To begin to answer these imperative questions, one needs to first analyze the premise of “The States” opening position on this matter. Has Columbia SC in fact LOST the war on drugs? Has the “war on drugs” really “failed”?
For those of us with distance from our own youth, we are now able to realize moral issues such as this are never really a matter of being “won” or “lost”. We have learned that if we wish to have appealing property for a lifetime, we must occasionally paint and do other necessary maintenance. We have learned in order to preserve what we care about, we must keep it moving along a certain path. Entering the twilight of our on lives, we now know the absurdity of eliminating the speed limit just because a wreck has been reported at 60 mph. If addiction is truly a problem, how can “more substance” make anything better for anyone?
The real answer to Columbia’s addiction issues is not in more legally distributed substances but will be found by raising our children in such a manner they do not feel compelled to find a chemical that makes them feel “good enough” or worthy. We must raise our young so they have the self confidence, self esteem and the will to be able to “like themselves”. That will be the day we “win” the “war on drugs”.
If you enjoy this column, please subscribe. If you would like to participate, submit questions or make comments, you may do so here or contact the author at: AnthonyEBaker@Hotmail.com or visit the author’s recovery and sobriety blog at Tony’s Sobriety Rack.
A recent “The State” article titled “Major panel: Drug war failed; legalize marijuana” seems to be slanted in favor of drug legalization claiming“the global war on drugs has failed, with devastating consequences for individuals and societies around the world” which is the opinion of a UN commission or “major panel” on this matter.
The report goes on to emphatically state, “Political leaders and public figures should have the courage to articulate publicly what many of them acknowledge privately: that the evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that repressive strategies will not solve the drug problem, and that the war on drugs has not, and cannot, be won".
The real question that really matters in this debate is; "would Columbia SC be better off or worse off by legalizing marijuana and other controlled substances”? Would Columbia SC be a better or worse place to live and raise families? Would the addiction epidemic, which is raging in Columbia, be made better or worse?
To begin to answer these imperative questions, one needs to first analyze the premise of “The States” opening position on this matter. Has Columbia SC in fact LOST the war on drugs? Has the “war on drugs” really “failed”?
For those of us with distance from our own youth, we are now able to realize moral issues such as this are never really a matter of being “won” or “lost”. We have learned that if we wish to have appealing property for a lifetime, we must occasionally paint and do other necessary maintenance. We have learned in order to preserve what we care about, we must keep it moving along a certain path. Entering the twilight of our on lives, we now know the absurdity of eliminating the speed limit just because a wreck has been reported at 60 mph. If addiction is truly a problem, how can “more substance” make anything better for anyone?
The real answer to Columbia’s addiction issues is not in more legally distributed substances but will be found by raising our children in such a manner they do not feel compelled to find a chemical that makes them feel “good enough” or worthy. We must raise our young so they have the self confidence, self esteem and the will to be able to “like themselves”. That will be the day we “win” the “war on drugs”.
If you enjoy this column, please subscribe. If you would like to participate, submit questions or make comments, you may do so here or contact the author at: AnthonyEBaker@Hotmail.com or visit the author’s recovery and sobriety blog at Tony’s Sobriety Rack.
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