Mere disillusionment

I took someone to the pain clinic and saw so many there around 30 years of age or under on walking canes. They all were moaning and groaning to see doctors of questionable character that prescribe what is practically heroin in a pill called opiates. These opiates are not a cure or a remedy but instead a “reliever.” These pain relievers only deceive the mind for a few hours until the effects wear off. Afterward you experience shocking torment for more of what disillusioned you to the pain.

I have lost two of my four best friends and two precious young relatives to opiates. I have many loved ones still alive but so mentally and financially ruined by opiates. Needless to say I have nothing but brute contempt for opiates to the point of where I would rather endure pain than to relent and take a pill to disillusion me.

Nowadays people think bearing pain is such a grave wrong. Bearing pain only toughens you up and is proved by people who are tough because they had it tough. Truer words were never spoken when they say that what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.

To calm my contempt over the pathetic view at the pain clinic, I then tried reading a magazine telling me Arkansas now has the second-fastestgrowing Latino population around, with most being newcomers. Bienvenida to these newcomers who are replacing our natives that became too “sick” to work anymore.

GARY McLEHANEY

Benton