‘Treat and street’ is no way to help addicts
There’s much talk lately about the serious drug problems in Massachusetts. Having witnessed the struggles of friends with the system I have some strong opinions on the subject. Firstly, I could never fathom why drug addiction was ever treated as a crime. What good is jailing people for what looks to me like a mental illness? Dr. Gabor Mate, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, attributes it to hopelessness stemming from childhood trauma and abuse, basically a manifestation of PTSD. Others have attributed it to chemical imbalances, an inability of the body to produce those “well-being” chemicals. It breaks my heart to see friends jailed, then released to the mean streets of Springfield, jobless and homeless only to end up right back in jail. It makes me so angry to see a friend with crack and alcohol issues unable to find a rehab placement, to see her shuttled all over the state for short term treatment only to be “treated and streeted.”
Why can’t people be treated in their own communities? Why isn’t there long term solutions like supported housing, part-time jobs they can handle, extensive out patient treatment? Why is it so hard for them to get disability? Why is it that the only “home” for so many of these folks is a shelter that kicks you out at 6 a.m. and lets you back in at 6 p.m. having nowhere to go all day?
I can hear the Libertarian types saying, “People make choices. Why should my taxes pay for these lazy deadbeats? I take care of myself; why can’t they?” Gov. Francis Sargent said that the government should take care of those who can’t take care of themselves. Humans need community to survive. The Libertarian, teabag philosophy is a sham! We’re all dependent on each other. How about helping those who don’t have the advantages we’ve had? How about giving them a chance at life.
Take it as an honor
After reading the op-ed piece, (“These Agawam Brownies Have Got to Go,” Nov. 26, 2015) I feel compelled to respond to what I believe to be a laughable and poorly researched expose on the Agawam Brownies.
The donning of a headdress is a symbolic representation of bravery and power. Invented by the Sioux Indians, the headdress was worn only by warriors and chiefs. The custom of wearing a headdress spread throughout the many tribes, each tribe customizing it to represent their own cultures and beliefs.
The “Tomahawk Chop” has been perceived by many as a mockery to the Native American culture. It is widely used by sports fans across the country at both collegiate and professional sporting events. Accompanied with a war chant or cry, it is an expression of dominance over the opponent as well as a way of instilling fear in your enemy. War chants were used by many tribes as they charged bravely into battle.
The fact is that nobody truly knows the origin of the nickname Brownies. To assume that it references the skin color of Native Americans is downright foolish. What we do know is that the name Brownies in association with Agawam sports dates back to the early 1940s. According to a study on ethnic slurs in America, the term “brownie” has no adherence whatsoever to the Native American people or their culture. The use of the name and imagery of an “Indian” in any reasonable situation such as this, should be considered nothing more than the celebration of a brave and powerful figure of our American history. In correlation to a high school football team, it symbolizes pride as well as pays homage to a small town’s rich history.
More things to love about Chicopee
Editor’s note: Here are some reader’s additions to “Five Things To Love About Chicopee,” Dec. 3, 2015.
Edward Jacques Sr.: Bernie’s Dining Depot, the new bridges, state of the art library, two new high schools just to name a few more.
Bill Wright: Thanks Mr. Berezin for stepping up to spearhead the Lyman Mills project. I hope it’s the start of something big.
Joe Peters: St. Stanislaus Basilica a great parish and a beautiful church. Check it out!
Cathy Huggins Hines: And low property taxes, so it’s also a wonderful place to live!
Richard Lengieza: May I add the best trash collection in Western Massachusetts.
