Thank you, Logan,

You didn't write a single word about the sources of the issue that I could possibly disagree with in any way, and you certainly have a basis for awareness that few people have. I'm grateful there are those as committed to the world as you are.

I suspect the more tragic aspects of this pain treatment issue become more "logical" (as far as a capitalist society, at least) if one considers what would have happened had the poor and homeless been profiting from the deaths of the fabulously wealthy, instead of the opposite. I suspect that taking action to save innocent lives would have take more like 20 minutes...not 20 years.

What's the line from "Lebowski"? "Someone who wouldn't be missed..."

My biggest question at this moment about the pain treatment debacle, is "where are the pharmaceutical companies in all this, other than losing money?" Why no lawsuits involving "restraint of trade", now that the deaths have almost 100% stopped from a pharmaceutical source. But that's the past.

As far as the future, I have to think people like me might be better off dying than living in an America with intended zero government oversight, and a laser focus on profits above all else, as may begin in January. Whatever Trump wants, that will be my treatment. (My pain doc practically has MAGA tattooed across his forehead.)

Of course, the future is uncertain for pretty much anyone with medical concerns, including, once again, pre-existing conditions), those dealing with disabilities, and tragically, if children don't suffer enough from unvaccinated-for childhood diseases, they may all too likely grow up in poverty and poor health, too often perhaps willing to accept any dangerous factory job offered at lower pay than an adult would be offered, but 25 cents an hour more than fast food.

Or, perhaps we could have considered allowing Civics classes to continue being taught in public schools. (I'm still in the "oversimplification" phase of the recent election, but I suspect that's just about over.)

Thanks again, Logan. I've gained back most of the 30 pounds I lost during those two months, and while I miss Dad daily, things are easier with just Mom to care for. We'll make it.