Hi there CHRISGAFF1000...

In my early days of service I'd quite agree with you. You did your shift with no particular expectation of what that shift would bring, but depending on the hour of the day, the day itself, and your patrol sector, there was ALWAYS this negative expectation 'the mud would hit the fan' sooner rather than later !

An eventful shift did bring some measure of compliments, usually from the patrol sergeant even the duty regional inspector, if he had a mind to stick his head up ? Did those positive accolades ever hit your personal file...rarely if ever ! I will admit as a detective, positive remarks did end-up on the super's desk, more regularly than when you're in uniform.

I don't know Chris after doing 32 + years, I have no enduring memory of any one event where I was pleased to be in the job ? Sure, locking up crooks did have a pleasing side to it, though having been described on one occasion, as a 'management problem', I do wonder if it was worth it all at the time ? Sure it put bread and butter on the table, paid the rent, a reasonable pension and then what ...?

Tell me honestly, would you ever sit down with a good mate, who was never in the job, look him straight in the eye, and tell him honestly, you were proud to wear the uniform ?

Thanks for taking an interest Chris.

Wow o sung wu, that is something to be really proud of.

I never ever made it to anything like the status of "management problem", I envy you.

'evening to you STEELEREDUX...

I've no doubt that lysergic acid has produced some stunning trips, trips so 'out of this world' the recipient might think he could fly ?
I've read the US Army have tried testing some of their specialised intelligence people back in 1944, with LSD and found alarmingly, they couldn't control them ?

Sorry STEELEREDUX, I'm just not adventurous enough to take that big step and start experimenting with the likes of lysergic acid or their kind ? In fact I recently heard a programme on Radio National about some men living in New York State, all quite academically gifted, and they've managed to successfully, take several quite astounding trips, with the aid of LSD, in order to become much, much, closer to Jesus Christ, and even God ?

One of the group, who sounded quite elderly and very intelligent, said their experience was greatly improved and enhanced by the taking of the drug, giving them tremendous insight into the spiritual aspects of Christianity. Well, good for them. Personally, I'd much rather remain simple, banal, and awfully dull. Then to take a well known drug that will artificially enhance my personality and insight by chemical means.

There again, to each his own I suppose ? Thanks again STEELREDUX for your perspective insight into this Depression business, as always I do appreciate and value your thoughtful input.

I don't 'do' illegal drugs, not my speed, pardon the pun. The odd alcoholic drink, but I wouldn't go through the equivalent of twenty standard drinks a year. Not opposed to alcohol, just too busy doing things.

However, I believe that seniors 60+ should be allowed to consume marijuana, and that means growing up to six plants and holding 30grams for private use. Age has its pains and pharmaceuticals are drugs anyhow, have side-effects, and are expensive. Home grown 'grass' would be cheap and convenient.

Again, 'MJ' is not my thing but I meet many elderly through voluntary work for whom I am sure a reefer or two a day would be a blessed relief. Their families don't care about them and nor does government generally, so get out of their independent lives and give them some peace. Of course if the interfering Nanny State ever did allow them to use it (highly unlikely), it would have to be dispensed as 'medical marijuana'. What a complete crock that is!

< I believe that seniors 60+ should be allowed to consume marijuana, and that means growing up to six plants and holding 30grams for private use. >

I suffered from debilitating Arthritis. It was a real pain in the everywhere, until I smoked my first joint. One choof a night is enough to kick "my black dog" out of sight and give me the peace I need to do all the things I love. Why is it banned? <Shakes Head>

Worth considering o sung wu, it's not as evil as many would have you believe! You'd be breaking the law, but I figured my sanity was more important to me than following some rule morons in .gov think is for my own good and who probably use it themselves!

I am very anti drugs, legal & illegal, if you can possibly avoid them. My doctor has convinced me I have to take a couple because of my heart attacks, but I'm not too sure they aren't causing my other problems. Guess I'm too gutless to stop them to find out.

As for hallucinogens, I am very much against them. I don't have all that much experience of them, but I have seen a couple of very competent, capable people reduced to giggling idiots by them.

I have watched a couple of mates gaze vacantly into space, seeing I have no idea what, as their whole life collapsed around them.

As for highs, I have never had any trouble finding them in a dozen activities. I can't believe any chemical can be as high inducing as chasing a steer on a good horse, or thundering across the top of Bathurst's Mount Panorama in a quick car.

However if you are already beyond being able to do these things for yourself, I guess they may help. If they do, I can see no reason for the choice to use them to be anyone else's business but the users.