1/2/10 12:41:11 AM

Thesis: It is time for the United States to embrace the addiction at the core of its national mind.

Thesis focused: Every citizen of the United States is a severe addict.

Evidence: We are addicted to oil. George W. Bush said so. We are addicted to possessions and convenience and comfort. We are addicted to being in the right on Earth, and sugar. We are addicted to being extra special on the planet, and caffeine, and chocolate. We’re addicted to feeling entitled to everything. We are addicted to sex, and pleasure, and instant gratification, and non-stop entertainment and stimulation and rumors and scandals and drama….

Elaboration: Addiction drives the consumption that fuels our economy. There are—count them—three massive industries that serve as our dealers—Advertising, Public Relations, and Marketing. They tell us how much we need what they are selling and we buy it. And they aren’t just selling products. They are selling an idea of what an American is. Commercial: An American looks like this. Do you look like this? No?! Are you sure you are an American?! Ok, don’t get upset. I have good news for you.

Thesis Developed: Illegal drugs are only a fine glaze, a bit of frost on the tip of the POMO American iceberg.

Conclusion: The Drug War is, at best, a farce designed to make us feel better; or, at worst, an elaborate distraction to camouflage a larger problem. Capitalism has crack in it.