The commissioners did not respond to yesterday's question asking for the status of letters to the BIA or if they will send a letter of support to transfer the two wildlife refuges to the Jamestown Corporation.
Here is today's email:
Dear Commissioners,
David Rogers recently shared that he ultimately got sober through arrest, jail time, treatment, accountability, and rebuilding purpose in his life—not through harm reduction. Stacey Richards shared a similar perspective in her interview, as did Ron Davis. Chelsea Jones described hitting rock bottom after losing custody of her daughter and fighting to get clean in order to get her back.
In each of these stories, the common theme appears to be accountability, consequences, structure, treatment, and personal responsibility—not the reduction of consequences surrounding active addiction.
Given these firsthand recovery stories from local residents, do the commissioners believe the County’s current harm reduction-centered approach is truly leading people toward long-term recovery, or has it become primarily focused on making active addiction more sustainable?
I am planning to work with some others to see if anyone has a story of recovery through nothing but compasion? I haven't heard one so far, it always seems to be consequences and accountability.
Thank You !!!! for making sense of a negative situation. I am 30 yrs. clean . The person that wants it has to change it. Not get support to continue the life style that comes with the addiction.. For me it took a couple yrs. but made it , . I credit a friend " Walter " we met on a job site . He told me his story of life . Then he said " if you loose reality , the drugs won .but if you can keep reality as a normal you can control the drug " then he handed me a people from the drive way and said " this is reality , drugs are not ! " I will always remember that and greatful to him. thank you and congradulation for serviving .
Every day more reasonable and experienced voices decide to speak up about the reality of recovery. Thank you for being another sane voice who feels strongly enough to share your experience.
Thank you rayferd for sharing! What you wrote, "I am 30 yrs. clean . The person that wants it has to change it.", is a testament to success without harm reduction ; )
Recovery - Yes! State supported suicide by 'harm reduction' - No!
I've lived here my whole life. Life in that period of time in WA has declined dramatically. Taxes as a percentage of everything are up, but there is nothing to show for it. Unless you measure success by the homeless, the addicted... It isn't working.
Our Elected aim to 'solve' all these problems locally which are not local problems, they are national problems. Until WA and all states figure out a National solution to addiction and homelessness which is tied to addiction, we are throwing billions into failure.
Absolutely great article and presentation, Patriots Jeff Tozzer and Jake Seegers~!
I am positive that this "harm reduction" scheme was always contrived and shoved down everyone's throats by "BAD INTENTIONED" Individuals, and NOT folks of good intentions at all~! The evidence speaks for itself, because it has long been known & understood that you NEVER give an alcoholic or drug addict "a little bit" further encouraging the suffering Individual to continue in his/her addiction. That is akin to throwing a drowning victim a heavy lead weight to "save" him/her~! The other absolutely glaring proof that this so-called "harm reduction" program was always intentionally meant to fail, yet be a cash cow of criminal corruption, has been the absolute refusal of the "usual suspects" of criminal behavior within our local governmental system, the various highly questionable NGOs and others, to either prove that their program works (which they obviously can't) OR close the program completely down and get serious about working towards efforts of "harm elimination" that have traditionally worked in the past instead of this bogus hogwash of "harm reduction"~! We will never completely eliminate these problems, but the entire concept of "harm reduction" is all about caving into defeat, when "we" need to work to reward these folks with addiction issues through positive reinforcement that encourages them to change for their own good and best interests~! Many times, that unfortunately means that these suffering folks need a "time out" for their criminal behavior through the criminal justice system, so they can experience a period of sobriety and have the opportunity to realize that they really do have positive options available to them... Their lives can not only be saved, but they can actually live well! Keep up the great work, so that these failed money-grubbing power mad government managers will be forced to do the right thing or be removed from their positions by the good folks of Clallam County~!
Cheers~!
Mike
P.S. A special acknowledgement and thanks to you David Rogers!
Well said Mike! "Harm Reduction" hasn't worked. Just might be time to listen to those who were addicted, acknowledged the problem, and fought for their recovery. This would be fact-based information and not a pie in the sky "plan."
After many decades of tracking and analyzing these countless "social engineering" plots against America and ALL Americans, I am now capable of cutting right through their evil BS and revealing their true underhanded agendas! Long ago these blood sucking anti-American criminals within our country figured out how to twist real science, our beloved American Constitution, to manipulate the good American folks' minds into thinking that these attacks upon them were "well intentioned" when in fact they never were~! You see, these un-American monsters always play the good unsuspecting Americans for fools, because they know that when they are ultimately revealed for their crimes and related criminal Intent, they can always play the "plausible deniability" card and falsely claim that they just made a simple "mistake" which in the past has gotten them off of the hook countless times, so they could continue their evil destruction of America and slaughter of innocent Americans! These criminals have actually committed the most heinous crimes imaginable, some that most Americans are coming very close to having officially revealed to them, and that will shock them to their very core! These criminals of humanity are experts at constructing lies and grand deceptions so that good folks never suspect just how evil they really are~! This is an EXTREMELY important and critical time in history my friend, because everything that is going on right now is intended for Americans to FINALLY realize that they ALWAYS need to step up to the challenge and duty of being great Americans and the true owners & stewards of this land~! The Americans who survive these difficult, dangerous, and deadly times that are unfolding, will learn their lessons of duty unlike any previous generations AND most importantly, these hard-earned lessons will be taught to many future generations going forward. Nothing else matters, unless the current and future generations of good Americans gain their Individual freedom and ALL of their rights from these criminals of humanity who will never give up their choke hold until they are eliminated~! It is the criminals of humanity who have prescribed OUR solution to removing their power and eliminating them so that they can never be a threat again~!
Two exceptional reads "hot off the press. We need the Wedge VOTE JAKE think of all lives lost because of this criminal activity and God bless you who we saved.
Sometimes I get upset with the folks that "we" could not save, when I would no doubt be better off to remember those that we did help to save~! I am just "hard wired" to save everyone, so I take the losses hard, and I know that I shouldn't, but God save me from those who take human losses easily... You are right that "we" should all be very happy that things are not worse, because the criminals of humanity had long planned a LOT worse stuff to have happened by now and I definitely am aware of that... Have a funday Sunday and keep up the good work~!
Some times you have to get clean for somebody else if you can’t get clean for yourself ! Dear Mom you are my beginning of life and my tree . Happy Mothers Day !
I have never had an addictive nature, so all I can do is be sympathetic towards those who do. On the other hand, I survived MANY difficult times largely with the help of my own personal obligations. Sometimes those obligations were family early on, but most of the time they have been through my love of a partner in life that I had. For a number of my "single" years my obligations were my horse and my African Grey parrot, because I knew that they would suffer if anything happened to me. I have known a number of "fringe" drug addicted Individuals, some who were homeless and some who were as close as anyone could get but through the generosity of others had a meagre place to "flop". NONE of these Individuals had any real self-respect, they had NO ambition to improve themselves or make their own way in life, and they ALL said that they didn't want ANY "personal responsibilities"~! Ha! They feared life itself! I remember one such Individual told me that "I only want an easy life"~! WOW~! To him that clearly meant that he never wanted to work and earn anything, but just have everything handed to him. This, my friend, is EXACTLY why these criminals who are pushing the failed "harm reduction" garbage do that, because they are praying on those who want an easy life, in a world that simply can't ever provide that because it is NOT this reality that we were all born into~! The only reasons that these criminals push the lunatic "harm reduction" garbage is to rob and steal from these program funds, virtue signal to only look good to those who fall for that garbage, and to actually enslave these poor fools who want everything handed to them for free. Aside from a very small number of completely useless Individuals who are too far gone to help, who have a perverted vision of life giving them everything that they desire upon demand, the vast majority of folks really are happier doing something/anything productive. The evidence of that is very clear, because I have seen MANY Individuals who worked hard all of their lives who were reasonably healthy, only to retire with no ambition or interests in life, and they all died within a couple of years because healthy humans are not built Spiritually, mentally or physically to do absolutely nothing~! The sedentary do-nothing lifestyle is a death sentence... Obviously, an "easy life" of doing nothing is not God's plan in this world, so folks should have interests & responsibilities that keep them feeling needed, healthy, enjoying life, and looking forward to another day~! Enjoy~!
Over the next couple of years, the American people are going to be learning just how much America has been very Intentionally attacked and in an absolutely shocking number of ways. This will very clearly explain exactly why many good folks have fallen into a state of despair where they "self-medicated" by drinking alcohol and/or used drugs~! Folks will absolutely marvel at the fact that MANY more people didn't get trapped in the cycle of addiction to alleviate their pain~! I don't know if my comments make sense to you right now, but you can bet that I know exactly what I am talking about because I have been engaged in this old war against America and humanity for many decades. You should be VERY proud of yourself for conquering what many never can. You my friend, are a survivor and that is the name of this game that we call "life"~! My wife and I are very REAL scientists and American Constitutionalists, so we have been on the front lines of this oldest struggle for a very long time now. We are going to try and make it to the Mushroom event in October because we have been interested in learning more about culinary mushrooms for quite some time. Maybe we will see you there. Have a great Sunday evening and keep up the fine work~! Blessings to you and your family~!
I heard you speak at the town hall, David. Thank you for your honest, humble voice. I don't think it's a coincidence that I just finished an essay titled, "When He Came to Himself," which is focused on the westside's Cope's giant salamander, but connected broadly to humanity. https://davidzelenka.substack.com/p/when-he-came-to-himself
My personal story is a mini-version of yours, though didn't crash nearly as far. Jesus brought me home. I've called this process in biology, the amnesia-anamnesis cycle, focused on species, but broadly applicable to groups, systems and societies when they awaken enter into their native form. The adult form was always there. I actually am certain that this is where our society is going. The stress within culture is actually the precondition.
These issues are complex. What's important to remember is that people don't easily fit in any administrative narrative, so voices like yours helps us begin developing a clear picture, and demonstrate resounding hope. Thanks again.
Thank you Jake and David for such a powerful story. Now we have to make the Commissioners hear it and believe in something better than the enabling system they are hooked on. Fire Dr. Berry and get some voice of reason in as Health Director. I can't wait to see Mike out of his seat. Olympia parrot should be his plaque.
Congratulations David, the hard work has been rewarded with a loving family!
Until one hits the bottom there is not much chance of going up to sobriety. Today’s cure is not to let them get there but allowing them to prolong the journey. This causes problems with all around this person and family. No common sense with the people in charge and it only gets worse every day. Good article and testimony. Hope it helps someone to get back to the good life
Thank you, Jake & David! Another great interview, and another voice in the community who adds needed weight to understanding the problems in order to work toward solutions. Not all solutions come quickly, but not understanding a problem can make figuring out solutions even harder.
Information like this is imperative in this region, proven by how little information there has been on these topics from local people with lived experience; but it’s changing and interviews like this do make a difference for the better. You can do it too is exactly right!
I absolutely value testimonies like this. When someone claws their way out of the depths of addiction and goes on to contribute meaningfully to the world around them, it is both deeply inspiring and a powerful reminder that real transformation is possible. In a world that can often feel heavy and broken, stories like these are examples of resilience, redemption, and the good human beings are still capable of.
From a very early age loving discipline leads to accountability. I believe that follows us through life. We desperately need boundaries to help us maintain accountability. And the lack of strong boundaries confuses accountability.
I'm profoundly grateful to see so many intelligent, passionate people in this community start to engage and get involved in ways that have the potential to really make a difference. Firsthand experience goes so much farther than make-believe "data" in terms of what harm reduction is actually accomplishing on a real-world level. Kudos to Jake for applying his time so wisely, and double kudos to David, the guest in this podcast. Hopefully more and more people will share their story with our public officials.
Unfortunately because Jake doesn't hang with a certain party the aspersions thrown his way miss the crucial information that he is not an ogre, rather more caring and thoughtful than what has gotten us into the pickle we're in. These people have no concept of his thoughtfulness and how everyone gains, rather than a handful.
Thank you for sharing, David. It appears that our county commissioners are ignoring testimony from those of us with "lived experience" and transferring the responsibility of solutions to others, Peninsula Behavioral Health, Harm Reduction Health Center, etc. These organizations seem to be the scapegoats commissioners use to free themselves of their responsibilities. “The Board of Commissioners is responsible for providing the legislative and executive functions of County government. Legislative functions are accomplished at meetings of the Board by adopting ordinances, policies, or resolutions that set public policy and guide government functions. The Board is also responsible for most executive functions of County government.”
Mission Statement 1. Putting the translated desires of our residents into action through effective communication. Commissioners are repeatedly hearing from citizens about how the current Harm Reduction policies are negatively affecting public safety. Yet, when presented with alternative solutions, the commissioners strive to find ways to maintain the status quo. They continue doing the same thing repeatedly expecting different results. Insanity? Effective public service leadership requires the ability to listen to constituents and pivot on issues and revise policies as evidence of success and failure arise. I don’t see that happening with our current Clallam County Board of Commissioners. Rather than effectively communicating with constituents through open dialog, they seem content to dictate their own ideologies. (no kings?) We don’t have standing and our desires don’t deserve their attention.
Jake, you and David provided an inspiring podcast today. Your message to me was whether some one is struggling with drugs or alcohol, help and hope are out there waiting to be sought and found. I really like how comfortably you two engaged in a casual dialogue and then brought your audience in closer to hear David's story. David, I wish you continued blessings and a wonderfully fulfilled life. A joyful day to all!
The reality is that we also cannot stop crime. What LE used to do is keep a lid on the mayhem that society could accept. It has now morphed into a hands-off environment and like drug use it is now overwhelming.
The commissioners did not respond to yesterday's question asking for the status of letters to the BIA or if they will send a letter of support to transfer the two wildlife refuges to the Jamestown Corporation.
Here is today's email:
Dear Commissioners,
David Rogers recently shared that he ultimately got sober through arrest, jail time, treatment, accountability, and rebuilding purpose in his life—not through harm reduction. Stacey Richards shared a similar perspective in her interview, as did Ron Davis. Chelsea Jones described hitting rock bottom after losing custody of her daughter and fighting to get clean in order to get her back.
In each of these stories, the common theme appears to be accountability, consequences, structure, treatment, and personal responsibility—not the reduction of consequences surrounding active addiction.
Given these firsthand recovery stories from local residents, do the commissioners believe the County’s current harm reduction-centered approach is truly leading people toward long-term recovery, or has it become primarily focused on making active addiction more sustainable?
I am planning to work with some others to see if anyone has a story of recovery through nothing but compasion? I haven't heard one so far, it always seems to be consequences and accountability.
Mine was divine intervention through hospitalization. Attempts at use came to a point of suffrage. Repeatedly.
Removed from my comfortable environment- with no one else to care. I had to care about myself in order to care for the ones I love out there.
My husband had to have 2 stints in prison.
Every addict I know suffers in active addiction, and suffered to get clean, and at times- suffers to remain clean.
We were not put on this earth for things to be easy. And if it's easy- it's not worth having.
Everyone has a story, and every story is different.
But we won't find the magical epiphany if we are kept in comfort.
Consequences and accountability aren’t profitable, they are effective.
and that is the problem :(
Thank You !!!! for making sense of a negative situation. I am 30 yrs. clean . The person that wants it has to change it. Not get support to continue the life style that comes with the addiction.. For me it took a couple yrs. but made it , . I credit a friend " Walter " we met on a job site . He told me his story of life . Then he said " if you loose reality , the drugs won .but if you can keep reality as a normal you can control the drug " then he handed me a people from the drive way and said " this is reality , drugs are not ! " I will always remember that and greatful to him. thank you and congradulation for serviving .
Every day more reasonable and experienced voices decide to speak up about the reality of recovery. Thank you for being another sane voice who feels strongly enough to share your experience.
Thank you rayferd for sharing! What you wrote, "I am 30 yrs. clean . The person that wants it has to change it.", is a testament to success without harm reduction ; )
You are a strong man for sharing your story. Thank you, Rayferd.
Recovery - Yes! State supported suicide by 'harm reduction' - No!
I've lived here my whole life. Life in that period of time in WA has declined dramatically. Taxes as a percentage of everything are up, but there is nothing to show for it. Unless you measure success by the homeless, the addicted... It isn't working.
Our Elected aim to 'solve' all these problems locally which are not local problems, they are national problems. Until WA and all states figure out a National solution to addiction and homelessness which is tied to addiction, we are throwing billions into failure.
The blue pages grew faster and bigger than Pinocchio's nose.
Well said!
Absolutely great article and presentation, Patriots Jeff Tozzer and Jake Seegers~!
I am positive that this "harm reduction" scheme was always contrived and shoved down everyone's throats by "BAD INTENTIONED" Individuals, and NOT folks of good intentions at all~! The evidence speaks for itself, because it has long been known & understood that you NEVER give an alcoholic or drug addict "a little bit" further encouraging the suffering Individual to continue in his/her addiction. That is akin to throwing a drowning victim a heavy lead weight to "save" him/her~! The other absolutely glaring proof that this so-called "harm reduction" program was always intentionally meant to fail, yet be a cash cow of criminal corruption, has been the absolute refusal of the "usual suspects" of criminal behavior within our local governmental system, the various highly questionable NGOs and others, to either prove that their program works (which they obviously can't) OR close the program completely down and get serious about working towards efforts of "harm elimination" that have traditionally worked in the past instead of this bogus hogwash of "harm reduction"~! We will never completely eliminate these problems, but the entire concept of "harm reduction" is all about caving into defeat, when "we" need to work to reward these folks with addiction issues through positive reinforcement that encourages them to change for their own good and best interests~! Many times, that unfortunately means that these suffering folks need a "time out" for their criminal behavior through the criminal justice system, so they can experience a period of sobriety and have the opportunity to realize that they really do have positive options available to them... Their lives can not only be saved, but they can actually live well! Keep up the great work, so that these failed money-grubbing power mad government managers will be forced to do the right thing or be removed from their positions by the good folks of Clallam County~!
Cheers~!
Mike
P.S. A special acknowledgement and thanks to you David Rogers!
Great work~!!!
Well said Mike! "Harm Reduction" hasn't worked. Just might be time to listen to those who were addicted, acknowledged the problem, and fought for their recovery. This would be fact-based information and not a pie in the sky "plan."
Right you are, Patriot Dennis O~!
After many decades of tracking and analyzing these countless "social engineering" plots against America and ALL Americans, I am now capable of cutting right through their evil BS and revealing their true underhanded agendas! Long ago these blood sucking anti-American criminals within our country figured out how to twist real science, our beloved American Constitution, to manipulate the good American folks' minds into thinking that these attacks upon them were "well intentioned" when in fact they never were~! You see, these un-American monsters always play the good unsuspecting Americans for fools, because they know that when they are ultimately revealed for their crimes and related criminal Intent, they can always play the "plausible deniability" card and falsely claim that they just made a simple "mistake" which in the past has gotten them off of the hook countless times, so they could continue their evil destruction of America and slaughter of innocent Americans! These criminals have actually committed the most heinous crimes imaginable, some that most Americans are coming very close to having officially revealed to them, and that will shock them to their very core! These criminals of humanity are experts at constructing lies and grand deceptions so that good folks never suspect just how evil they really are~! This is an EXTREMELY important and critical time in history my friend, because everything that is going on right now is intended for Americans to FINALLY realize that they ALWAYS need to step up to the challenge and duty of being great Americans and the true owners & stewards of this land~! The Americans who survive these difficult, dangerous, and deadly times that are unfolding, will learn their lessons of duty unlike any previous generations AND most importantly, these hard-earned lessons will be taught to many future generations going forward. Nothing else matters, unless the current and future generations of good Americans gain their Individual freedom and ALL of their rights from these criminals of humanity who will never give up their choke hold until they are eliminated~! It is the criminals of humanity who have prescribed OUR solution to removing their power and eliminating them so that they can never be a threat again~!
Then, Problem Solved~!
Sincerely, Mike
Two exceptional reads "hot off the press. We need the Wedge VOTE JAKE think of all lives lost because of this criminal activity and God bless you who we saved.
You do make a VERY good point, Patriot TLL~!
Sometimes I get upset with the folks that "we" could not save, when I would no doubt be better off to remember those that we did help to save~! I am just "hard wired" to save everyone, so I take the losses hard, and I know that I shouldn't, but God save me from those who take human losses easily... You are right that "we" should all be very happy that things are not worse, because the criminals of humanity had long planned a LOT worse stuff to have happened by now and I definitely am aware of that... Have a funday Sunday and keep up the good work~!
Sincerely, Mike
Some times you have to get clean for somebody else if you can’t get clean for yourself ! Dear Mom you are my beginning of life and my tree . Happy Mothers Day !
Great comment, Patriot Randy Walterson~!
I have never had an addictive nature, so all I can do is be sympathetic towards those who do. On the other hand, I survived MANY difficult times largely with the help of my own personal obligations. Sometimes those obligations were family early on, but most of the time they have been through my love of a partner in life that I had. For a number of my "single" years my obligations were my horse and my African Grey parrot, because I knew that they would suffer if anything happened to me. I have known a number of "fringe" drug addicted Individuals, some who were homeless and some who were as close as anyone could get but through the generosity of others had a meagre place to "flop". NONE of these Individuals had any real self-respect, they had NO ambition to improve themselves or make their own way in life, and they ALL said that they didn't want ANY "personal responsibilities"~! Ha! They feared life itself! I remember one such Individual told me that "I only want an easy life"~! WOW~! To him that clearly meant that he never wanted to work and earn anything, but just have everything handed to him. This, my friend, is EXACTLY why these criminals who are pushing the failed "harm reduction" garbage do that, because they are praying on those who want an easy life, in a world that simply can't ever provide that because it is NOT this reality that we were all born into~! The only reasons that these criminals push the lunatic "harm reduction" garbage is to rob and steal from these program funds, virtue signal to only look good to those who fall for that garbage, and to actually enslave these poor fools who want everything handed to them for free. Aside from a very small number of completely useless Individuals who are too far gone to help, who have a perverted vision of life giving them everything that they desire upon demand, the vast majority of folks really are happier doing something/anything productive. The evidence of that is very clear, because I have seen MANY Individuals who worked hard all of their lives who were reasonably healthy, only to retire with no ambition or interests in life, and they all died within a couple of years because healthy humans are not built Spiritually, mentally or physically to do absolutely nothing~! The sedentary do-nothing lifestyle is a death sentence... Obviously, an "easy life" of doing nothing is not God's plan in this world, so folks should have interests & responsibilities that keep them feeling needed, healthy, enjoying life, and looking forward to another day~! Enjoy~!
Sincerely, Mike
Thank you😎
No worries, Patriot David Rogers~!
Over the next couple of years, the American people are going to be learning just how much America has been very Intentionally attacked and in an absolutely shocking number of ways. This will very clearly explain exactly why many good folks have fallen into a state of despair where they "self-medicated" by drinking alcohol and/or used drugs~! Folks will absolutely marvel at the fact that MANY more people didn't get trapped in the cycle of addiction to alleviate their pain~! I don't know if my comments make sense to you right now, but you can bet that I know exactly what I am talking about because I have been engaged in this old war against America and humanity for many decades. You should be VERY proud of yourself for conquering what many never can. You my friend, are a survivor and that is the name of this game that we call "life"~! My wife and I are very REAL scientists and American Constitutionalists, so we have been on the front lines of this oldest struggle for a very long time now. We are going to try and make it to the Mushroom event in October because we have been interested in learning more about culinary mushrooms for quite some time. Maybe we will see you there. Have a great Sunday evening and keep up the fine work~! Blessings to you and your family~!
Sincerely, Mike
I heard you speak at the town hall, David. Thank you for your honest, humble voice. I don't think it's a coincidence that I just finished an essay titled, "When He Came to Himself," which is focused on the westside's Cope's giant salamander, but connected broadly to humanity. https://davidzelenka.substack.com/p/when-he-came-to-himself
My personal story is a mini-version of yours, though didn't crash nearly as far. Jesus brought me home. I've called this process in biology, the amnesia-anamnesis cycle, focused on species, but broadly applicable to groups, systems and societies when they awaken enter into their native form. The adult form was always there. I actually am certain that this is where our society is going. The stress within culture is actually the precondition.
These issues are complex. What's important to remember is that people don't easily fit in any administrative narrative, so voices like yours helps us begin developing a clear picture, and demonstrate resounding hope. Thanks again.
This is a fantastic piece you wrote David. The realities are unmistakable, just not given enough voice.
AMEN
Good morning Jeff and Jake and all Doggers,
Thank you Jake and David for such a powerful story. Now we have to make the Commissioners hear it and believe in something better than the enabling system they are hooked on. Fire Dr. Berry and get some voice of reason in as Health Director. I can't wait to see Mike out of his seat. Olympia parrot should be his plaque.
Congratulations David, the hard work has been rewarded with a loving family!
I wish you all a great day!
Until one hits the bottom there is not much chance of going up to sobriety. Today’s cure is not to let them get there but allowing them to prolong the journey. This causes problems with all around this person and family. No common sense with the people in charge and it only gets worse every day. Good article and testimony. Hope it helps someone to get back to the good life
Thank you, Jake & David! Another great interview, and another voice in the community who adds needed weight to understanding the problems in order to work toward solutions. Not all solutions come quickly, but not understanding a problem can make figuring out solutions even harder.
Information like this is imperative in this region, proven by how little information there has been on these topics from local people with lived experience; but it’s changing and interviews like this do make a difference for the better. You can do it too is exactly right!
You're article was fantastic as well today.
I absolutely value testimonies like this. When someone claws their way out of the depths of addiction and goes on to contribute meaningfully to the world around them, it is both deeply inspiring and a powerful reminder that real transformation is possible. In a world that can often feel heavy and broken, stories like these are examples of resilience, redemption, and the good human beings are still capable of.
YES! When a human triumphs over their shackles it's a beautiful moment not given enough light or understanding.
From a very early age loving discipline leads to accountability. I believe that follows us through life. We desperately need boundaries to help us maintain accountability. And the lack of strong boundaries confuses accountability.
I'm profoundly grateful to see so many intelligent, passionate people in this community start to engage and get involved in ways that have the potential to really make a difference. Firsthand experience goes so much farther than make-believe "data" in terms of what harm reduction is actually accomplishing on a real-world level. Kudos to Jake for applying his time so wisely, and double kudos to David, the guest in this podcast. Hopefully more and more people will share their story with our public officials.
Unfortunately because Jake doesn't hang with a certain party the aspersions thrown his way miss the crucial information that he is not an ogre, rather more caring and thoughtful than what has gotten us into the pickle we're in. These people have no concept of his thoughtfulness and how everyone gains, rather than a handful.
VOTE FOR JAKE! MUCH IS AT STAKE!
The Wedge!
Thank you for sharing, David. It appears that our county commissioners are ignoring testimony from those of us with "lived experience" and transferring the responsibility of solutions to others, Peninsula Behavioral Health, Harm Reduction Health Center, etc. These organizations seem to be the scapegoats commissioners use to free themselves of their responsibilities. “The Board of Commissioners is responsible for providing the legislative and executive functions of County government. Legislative functions are accomplished at meetings of the Board by adopting ordinances, policies, or resolutions that set public policy and guide government functions. The Board is also responsible for most executive functions of County government.”
Mission Statement 1. Putting the translated desires of our residents into action through effective communication. Commissioners are repeatedly hearing from citizens about how the current Harm Reduction policies are negatively affecting public safety. Yet, when presented with alternative solutions, the commissioners strive to find ways to maintain the status quo. They continue doing the same thing repeatedly expecting different results. Insanity? Effective public service leadership requires the ability to listen to constituents and pivot on issues and revise policies as evidence of success and failure arise. I don’t see that happening with our current Clallam County Board of Commissioners. Rather than effectively communicating with constituents through open dialog, they seem content to dictate their own ideologies. (no kings?) We don’t have standing and our desires don’t deserve their attention.
Jake, you and David provided an inspiring podcast today. Your message to me was whether some one is struggling with drugs or alcohol, help and hope are out there waiting to be sought and found. I really like how comfortably you two engaged in a casual dialogue and then brought your audience in closer to hear David's story. David, I wish you continued blessings and a wonderfully fulfilled life. A joyful day to all!
Great interview with a great fellow.
Its said you cannot arrest your way out of this drug scourge. I'd really like to give it a try.
The reality is that we also cannot stop crime. What LE used to do is keep a lid on the mayhem that society could accept. It has now morphed into a hands-off environment and like drug use it is now overwhelming.