In the days of the pioneers the perpetrator rolled into town on his painted wagon extolling the virtues of his wares. What he was selling was commonly known as “snake oil.” The pitch was that this tonic would cure all of one’s ills.

Of course, I wasn’t around then, but this potion was likely to have been some form of alcohol which numbed the user’s pain. I don’t know how successful their business was, but I am sure there were takers who were desperate to escape from their pain.

Fast forward to today and, lo and behold, the snake oil salesmen are still invading us in droves. Yes, they are called “drug salesmen.” However, these salesmen are pushing drugs legalized by the federal government. In their presentation we are told the dangers of using their drug, and, in very clear terms. If you listen with great care you might be able to figure out what it does for you.

If your TV viewing is limited to the major channels (ABC, CBS. NBC, etc.) your viewing pleasure will be enhanced by two or three drug ads per hour. I guess people are so desperate for relief that they would risk death, at the most and further damage to their health, at the least.

The worst part of the story to me is that none of these drugs provide a cure. Short-term relief is the best and further damage is the worst. Now that I think about it maybe there is something worse. How can these doctors continue to prescribe these drugs? It is all about a short-cut.

Don’t figure out a preventative or, at least, a cure. Just “give ‘em another pill.” Is that what drove them go to med  school? To just pass out the drugs? The legal drug pushers are as criminal as the illegal. I may not know medicine, but I know human beings and I definitely recognize enabling. There has to be a better way.

REMEMBER …

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