Character Revisted: JFK the Individual American – President

The question of character is brought to my attention again. The first time it was May 2010, of which I stated:

“The question of character is brought to my attention, and I stumble to find significant reference. My stumbling is not due to poor character, rather an affirmation of individualism. As an American, we have been condition to a set of empowering words: Liberty, Individualism, Freedom, Natural Right, Open Society and Freedom of existence. It goes without stating that all of these words detail the American archetype. A closer look at the originators of these terms provides a clearer perspective, of the double sword nature of these terms, hence characteristics.

One of the primary contributors of this self liberating orientation was Thomas Hobbes. Ironically Hobbes expressed the notion of “natural rights”, but advocated total sovereignty control. The absolute control Hobbes advocated was in understanding, that if each individual has a natural right to all of the environment around them, then each has an equal right to protect the possessions which each accumulated, in whatever manner they found fit. The phase “Dog Eat Dog world” is an understatement, referring to Hobbes. In order to have PEACE and CIVILITY among the society, order had to be established. This order is in actuality a waiver of one’s individual rights, to the collective effort. ” For his wit and expressive ideology, Thomas Hobbes was convicted by King Charles II. He was prohibited to any further publishing. His will to pursue happiness was removed from him. It was King Charles II’s active attempt to end all ATHEISM within England, and thus prohibited Hobbes future publishing. And yet his character strength in him and those who peered through the hypocritical judgment of Parliament and King Charles II.

The reason character come into question again; is because I am reading “A Question of Character: A Life Story of John F. Kennedy” by Thomas C. Reeves. From the reading, several individuals (Americans) with the fully right of expression, conclude from their perception of the late president, opinions that seem to lace together a defined character of JFK. Depending on who and what motive of intent, these opinions can be linked with others of a similar nature, by which the late president seems rather non-heroic and manipulative. Reeves provides detailing statements from socialite, Mary Pinchot Meyers, James Angleton and Tom Bradlee, as to the drug usage of John F. Kennedy in the White House. According to these recollections, Kennedy used marijuana, cocaine, hashish and acid. However these recollections can not attest to the great job the late president performed and his commitment to his job as leader of the free word.

Reeves also states that, Victor Lasky (journalist) stated John F. Kennedy as “cold, calculating, vain, superficial, and morally obtuse (pg. 3). Yet what Lasky fails to define, are the circumstances by which those characteristics were ascribed. How could a loving/caring father also be cold and morally obtuse? Well if the father portion of JFK’s total Biopsychosocial-Sprititual essence was removed. And only the Democratic, Civil Rights advocator portions of his political agenda was the circumstance, then perhaps it would be correct to use such words.

The point of this is to empower all individuals as to the complete essences of an individual and not just the critics and opinions of a few, who will by nature of our American existence: have negative factors to contribute to another. A person has a private life, by which the pursuit of it is a right as our American liberty dictates. The public life of a person is sure to be infused with professional ethics, codes of conduct, laws and simple social politeness. However should a person be judged by their private life essences, especially if they go beyond the normal standard to insure that these private passions do not interfere with their public life.

Character is such an integral factor of our self esteem as it is crashed against the Social Constructed Reality. I firmly believe all individuals need to have their FULL Biopsychosocial Spiritual essence review before any one judge can conclude their fate. Because where men create fate, God creates FAITH!

R.E.D.U (Reverse the Environment of Drugs and You) work in progress

R.E.D.U is the acronym for Reverse Environment Drugs and You. It in part is a testimonial of my life of drug usage, which awkwardly began in 1992. Ambitious and unknowledgeable, I was attending Seattle Community College. My goal was to obtain my A.A. and a Q.C.D.C which today are titled CAADAC & NAADAC. Having never used drugs, I found it difficult to counsel others on the matter. However I quickly learned that counseling was not an personal advice effort. But was depended and structured around a practical formula. I unwittingly asked the instructor, “How can I counsel someone on marijuana use, when I have never used marijuana?” I was immediately reminded of the technique we were reviewing in another class on counseling. Well that explanation was enough for me, and so I decided, that we live and learn. And from that day forward, I set out to try all the drugs on the National Institute of Drug, drug chart. The chart consist of the following categories: Prescription Medication, Other Compounds (ex: anabolic steroids), Hallucinogens, Dissociative Drugs (ex: Ketamine), Club Drugs (ex: MDMA), Stimulants, Opioids, Cannabinoids, Alcohol and Tobacco.

From 1992 till 2011, I accomplished my imprudent goal. Today I look back at that self-challenge and am thankful to faith (Yes, I always prayed to GOD to see me through the madness I had positioned myself). I am also thankful to the various instructors, users, and theories regarding drug usage. When I was 18 I sign petition and later voted for ballot measure Assigned Number 692– Sponsors Karen Pehoushek and Mr. Robert Killian- The petition secured 260,335 signatures. The petition was found to have sufficient valid signatures, and appeared on the Nov. 3, 1998, General Election Ballot in the state of Washington. This was the first step towards understanding drugs and politics. From that day forward, I have signed marijuana legislation in every state I have lived in. Even when I discontinued use of marijuana in 2000; I still supported the rights of those who desire it. Today as I look at marijuana dispensaries and Colorado’s general marijuana usage public policy enactment (Amendment 64): I can’t help but think VICTORY!!! But victory in legal usage (marijuana) is the easier portion of drug usage equation. In order to fully have a drug victory, we must look towards innovative education of drugs, intervening programs for control and non-control of usage, and advanced treatment programs that are individually based upon the clients Biopsychosocio-spiritual dynamics.

From 2011 I have reviewed many theories revolving around drug usage and drug addiction. I have participated in some group counseling treatment programs that were successful and some that were not. The difference between the successful ones was they centered around some of the basic 12 Step Recovery Program and were more self determinately based. I am in the process of documenting my personal usage and how I have come to this point, in my reversal of the environment(s) drugs and me. Here are some of the basics of R.E.D.U and theories which are relevant.

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