Stuff My Brain Says #64

Question: Do we need to make drugs legal?
Answer: Wrong question.

The correct ones would be:

How much has been spent on the War on Drugs?
How many in our already over-crowded prisons are there for drug-related crimes (a.k.a. "possession", "trafficking", etc.)?
How much have we spent housing, feeding, clothing, and providing health care for those in prison?
How much time and money is spent by our police and courts?
And the kicker: How much tax "revenue" is lost by not being able to tax the stuff?

I'm not pro-drugs, but I'm definitely not pro-keep-throwing-good-money-after-bad either!

© Emittravel 2013

The Writer's Curse

I was driving home one evening and was overwhelmed by the urge to write. I believe, no matter what mode of artistic expression you use, that this is a very familiar urge. As soon as I got home I sat down and started writing. I was a bit surprised to see what came out; totally unexpected. -j.p.

Here it is again
that familiar drawing to write
The ache in the heart
that causes both pleasure
and pain
The irresistible urge to express
and the compulsion to run away

 

There is no escape
I must pour out what’s inside
To not is to numb my soul
devoid my life of its meaning
I know not what will come out
Let the words come forth
Searching
Grieving
Swimming
Sinking
Ride the wave of emotion
until its final crash to shore

 

No choice but to give in
Pick up the pen
Scrawl my passion
upon a tablet for all to read
Give in to the moment
and seek the blessing
of the writer’s curse

J.P. Wiegand
© Emittravel 2005

Stuff My Brain Says #63

Do you like to listen to podcasts? I do. I think I figured out why. When I was a kid I would love to hang around the kitchen or the dining room after the (extended) family dinners, just to listen in on the conversations. I enjoyed the intellectual discussions, and especially the humor. Today, most of the podcasts I listen to have those same elements. I enjoy listening to individuals who are great "on their feet" and make decent points. I don't have to necessarily agree with them, and that's okay. Kind of like I hope those who read this blog feel.

Ever listen to a podcast? Why? What do you like, or dislike about the experience. I'd love to know.

© Emittravel 2013