While I agree with the numbers regarding your statement about the volume of people addicted to drugs, I also wonder if you have any suggestions on how to handle the issue. I do not believe that people start using drugs knowing full well they will become addicted. I would bet that most (if not all) drug users start out with the exact opposite mindset, more of a, "Well, just because everyone ELSE got addicted to (insert drug here), I am special, and therefore immune to its brain-altering qualities."

Good and bad, right and wrong, just and unjust, All these things are subject to the birth lottery. When, where and how you are born and brought up will shape what you think to be morally acceptable. Human rights, homosexuality, gender roles, judicial punishments are all things that are actually only subject to opinion. Every one of us has an opinion, but when put to the test, we often find it a bigger grey area with bigger implications than we expected, and that while we may think we want it a certain way, we may not be willing to see it through ourselves. We each have a line to draw and will never all draw it in the same place.

I'll take that debate. It was the hatred for the Nazis and their actions that led to their defeat. It was hatred for the Romans that led to Hannibal crossing the alps. Hatred instils a reason to fight for what you believe is right, it gives you the strength to go on when you have nothing left to give. Sure it has a debilitating effect, but once you have won, you can look toward healing. Hatred is a fuel that never runs out, and when you are the underdog, or outnumbered, it can be the deciding factor. Hatred can also be a spark, that ignites incredible revelations and works of art, Dante's 'Devine Comedy' is believe by some to be an allegory for his hatred of his opponents in politics and personal life. Michelangelo, Manet, Diego Rivera, they all made great works using their hatred to inspire them. Hatred is as useful as it is destructive.