Spirit & Future
"Our space program, and the scientists, engineers, and astronauts who have made it possible, symbolize the spirit of America: optimism and ingenuity, daring and determination". Ronald Reagan
Unity & Principle
"We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately" (though a general call for unity during the Revolution, it reflects determined resolve). Benjamin Franklin
About this picture: Taken in 2022 Compilation of two original photos, The East Coast Memorial Eagle, and the roof of The World Trade Center Memorial Transportation Hub.
When I first did this piece, I had my mind on the narcotics problem we face in America, especially the drug this piece is named after.
Now, as we face a pandemic requiring people all over the world to wear a breathing mask, it takes on new meaning for me. Those who are addicted to OxyContin and the like are suffering right now as their suppliers are facing the same unseen killer the world wrestles against.
While lack of availability is a unique opportunity to come clean, it comes at a very high risk to the addicted, physically and psychologically. Having been legally addicted to OxyContin and a number of other pain meds over the years, managing my chronic pain condition, I have become personally familiar with withdrawal; the crawling of my skin and the climbing of the walls in my bathroom scared my family and me more than one night. John Lennon's song "Cold Turkey" best represents the struggle of those who go cold turkey; whatever the reason, the experience is real and frightening.
Please remember them kindly as they face their demons and cold turkey wreaks their brain and twists their bodies from the inside; they are not the enemy, they are the weak among us. Let us love and extend a hand, rather than sucking the remaining oxygen from their room.
