Despite evident failure of drug prohibition in U.S. and elsewhere, Courtwright endorses continuation of supply-side strategies. He insists that drugs will be abused wherever they are available, and that efforts must therefore focus on reducing supply. "The task now," he writes, "is to adjust system." But his optimism about making prohibition work seems perfunctory. Throughout this book, Courtwright paints a gloomy view of drug problem that is likely to convince reader that no adjustments to system will cut off supply of drugs. There is much to be gained from reading this book whether you accept author's policy conclusions or not.

Forces of Habit: Drugs and Making of Modern World by David T. Courtwright. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2001. http://commonplacebook.tripod.com/home/id20.html

Corporate creatures can hire all things done. When we are finally and gratefully, utterly dependent on folks who mock and despise us, let us cry out with a loud voice, this isn't fair! Let us point our fingers at them and demand satisfaction. Our demands are like spitting into wind. Let us congratulate ourselves for voting and protesting and go back to our corporate lives. This is not just what it means to be American these days, it is what it means to be Western and civilized. Do as you are told and don't forget to vote for more, more, more of every good thing. This we call freedom. Your children and grandchildren will too, because corporate world will "educate" them, as they did you and me. In this they never cease, day nor night. In school, on radio, TV and all major media. Think like this - do like that. And we do.

If we are going to change any of this, we must first change us, which also happens to be easiest thing to do. Isn't that a happy coincidence? If we will end our own corporate support and enslavement, it begins with that simple question. How can I? Don't expect to receive answers to questions we refuse to ask. Can I have what I really want outside corporate world? The answer is yes. You can choose not to buy from corporate world, or at least buy a lot less of it and used, for starters. Likewise, you can choose not to sell to corporate world and for first time, your business will be nobody else's. How much you earn or spend is no one's business but yours. How you earn and on what you spend is also highly personal business that becomes semi public minute you do business with corporate world. If you work wisely, you can do work you love for more money and less hours than is possible in corporate world. You don't have to buy million dollar ads on TV to sell your products or services to enough people to earn a comfortable living. You have eliminated hidden costs of corporate world.

As more of Western world comes out of Mystery Babylon, of which World Trade Center was symbolic, corporate world fades further in its economic power and influence. Politicians must look elsewhere for campaign financing. We get some relief from incessant advertising that greases corporate wheels. We separate from a 20th Century machine as we refuse to be cogs in it. The corporate value system is that of world. It is revealed in Book of Revelation, Chapter 18, as merchandise of Babylon - a long list from highest value to lowest. At top is gold, followed by silver and precious stones. At very bottom are slaves, followed by souls of men. Does this value system seem familiar? It should, it is over 3,000 years old. When we reject this value system, we must operate from some other. Can we take least valued thing in Babylonian system and make it most valuable? Let us disincorporate our lives and world.

edhowes@hotmail.com Bedinghamstudio/view.com