USA: Tina is a bitch after all

Re “Tina is not such a bitch” (op-ed by Mickey Weems, Aug. 26):
Mickey Weems sounds like he’s done a lot of crystal meth research. Sounds like firsthand knowledge, too. He paints a picture of ego-obsessed sexual deviants who live only for the next party. As a 39-year-old gay man, that’s the image I’ve been trying to get away from. One day, he’ll be just like Uncle Tom is to African Americans: a stereotypical embarrassment.

I don’t understand how Mickey Weems’ column made it into the pages of this publication. Based on his concluding call of “buyer beware,” I’m guessing he wants people to back off from vigorous anti-meth campaigns. This is the wrong message to be disseminating to the public. Conspicuously absent from Mr. Weems’ scattered manifesto is any mention of increased HIV infection rates clearly attributable to spreading abuse of crystal meth among gay men. Instead of the laughable suggestion that pharmaceutical-grade crystal meth be produced, perhaps drug companies should come up with a more effective drug to combat depression, a certain factor in whether one will use any “party drug.”

The arguments used by Mickey Weems to posit that Tina is not a public health enemy are the very reasons crystal methamphetamine is wreaking havoc in our community. Tina users might turn to the drug to escape sleep’s reality, but the effects are devastating, starting with the documented rise in unprotected sex among gay young adults due to Tina-induced diminishment of judgment. No matter how hard Weems tries, nobody can hide this drug’s social and emotional costs on too many.

If Tina is the “passport” into the “in-crowd,” let’s take on the dominant elements of our culture and the pressure they exert, which spur usage of Tina and other drugs. Sadly, on the pages of many gay publications, vulnerable people find fewer ads encouraging positive health choices than ads for establishments where crystal meth usage is widespread.

This was a completely irresponsible article, obviously from someone very removed from the true effects of crystal on the gay population.

At least Mickey Weems’ column about crystal meth carries the banner “viewpoint”; it’s a pretty irresponsible one at that. I’m no saint, but I am also on the other side of using crystal meth and hanging out with other tweekers. I have many friends who have lost teeth, homes, boyfriends and sanity using crystal meth. Tina is a bitch not to be fucked with.

Mickey Weems doesn’t offer one good medical reason for prescribing crystal meth. What’s the “responsible way” to use crystal meth? I’m an addict in recovery. I’m not a victim. I take responsibility for my actions today. I’m fighting a medically classified mental disease called addiction. It’s a challenge, but I’ve learned how to stay clean, how to face myself and my demons, and how to move forward despite all of it.

I am very disappointed that you published Mickey Weems’ column. Weems has no understanding of drug addiction. Where does he get his insights on crystal meth addiction and what he supports as its “correct usage”? Describing meth labs as folk art is asinine. This drug is highly addictive and destructive to individuals and social groups, responsible use is not a real concept.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org/amphetablog.html
Pubdate: Friday, 02 September 2005
Source: The Washington Blade (USA)
Website: http://www.washblade.com/
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Copyright: 2005 The Washington Blade