Shirley Chisholm Quote

"It is not heroin or cocaine that makes one an addict, it is the need
to escape from a harsh reality. There are more television addicts, more
baseball and football addicts, more movie addicts, and certainly more
alcohol addicts in this country than there are narcotics addicts. "

by:	Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005) US Congresswoman
Date:	September 17, 1969, House Select Committee on Crime
Rating:
Categories:	Civil Rights, Drugs, Freedom, Individual Rights, Justice, Liberty, Republic, Rights, War, Black, Women
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It's a very truthful statement. And unfortunately, we see it around the world. Parents can't afford to buy food, clothes, send their children to school or provide them with shelter but, they can find a way to get drugs. The average American comes home from work, and does virtually everything in front of the tv including sitting their kids in front of it for it to babysit their kid.  -- Sabrina, Brooklyn, NY
How are we going to improve life's conditions so that we do not need to escape? Where will we find the leadership and honesty that Chisholm gave us?  -- andi, bakersfield,ca
Ingenious! I was an addict once upon a time and I fought the very same argument until I realised it was as equal as chasing my tail in circles. No matter how many times you go around it's always the same scenery.  -- stellarsavageberry@hotmail.com, Camrose alberta
-- cr, raleigh
Can a statement be any more stupid than this one. Of course heroin and cocaine are addictive (in and of themselves). Heroin and cocaine are their own harsh reality. There are more television addicts, more baseball and football addicts, more movie addicts, and certainly more alcohol addicts in this country than there are narcotics addicts - so what ? If the weak minded wish to have a destructive addiction, who am I to say no. Was the Congresswomen looking for equal opportunity addictions ? Or, was she just looking for a way to make television, sports, movies and alcohol illegal ?  -- Mike, Norwalk
A drug "addict" cf. a baseball "addict" ? SOMEONE NEEDS TO DEFINE WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT. We need to create a better term for what happens to us when the TV doesn't work for a few hours -- is it comparable to a drug addict being denied ( for whatever reason ) his drug of choice for a few hours ? How about, "I don't like it when the TV doesn't work, I miss it." Do I need to call 9-1-1 ? NO !  -- Bob, Charlotte
I agree with Bob,Charlotte.  -- jim k, austin tx
Bob it is called ( spoiled ). It was the harsh reality of war, and the things endured that caused my Dad to drink. A cold sober man was he. Who never met a stranger. What is that, said I, to Mom as Dad reached into the ( Cabinet ), that is his Medicine son. Cold sober reality. Moderate man he was ! Lost many lives that were in his care, friends struck down in battle, protecting what ? Life and liberty. The more unjust laws on the books, the harsher the reality of oppression for gain. So the more people wish to escape. Not all addictions are bad, such as addicting ones self to the truth. Let your moderation be made known among all. If one can not bridle his or her own spirit, it is a city without walls ! I go with Mike on this one, just stating the obvious. But for what reason ?  -- Ron w13, Or

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