"elymus" has a point, and I have to say I agree. As just one example, our personal contribution to our employer health plan keeps rising, and it's JUST NOT FAIR that we, who lead exemplary lives in every way, (probably just like "elymus" ) have to bear these increased costs due to those who fail to take responsibility for their actions and are a true burden on the economy, the health care system, my insurance program, Medicare (hence my taxes too!!) and ME!! You know, the lifelong smokers whose lack of responsibility causes lung cancer, emphysema, amputations, and stroke. And the morbidly obese who cause my rates to go up, due to their strokes, heart attacks and diabetes. Or the motorcyclists and bicyclists who ride without a helmet, and then expect to be put back together and rehabbed, on my dime, though it's they, just like the others, who take no personal responsibility for their actions! "Elymus", you are right! We need to stand up rightously, and complain about how, in our society, we, "the responsible", are taken advantage of!! The irresponsible have caused their own problems, and as you said with such great insight: "why do we, the taxpayers, always have to pay?????" Thank you for your enlightening, and thought-provoking comment! Why should you and I, or our community, bear this terrible burden, of providing to those who need care, though they are undeserving.due to their lack of personal responsibility.????????

Oh please give that a rest. This "epidemic" was deliberate, well planned, marketing by mega Pharma firms used to legal immunity. Purdue especially made billions in profits with hidden profits. They certainly knew what flooding destroyed communities
by lawless financials, would encourage opioid demands. Sending incredible amounts to small towns without anyone wising up is incredible! Has American Rule of Law become so easy and profitable to ignore? Free-Trade economics says this is acceptable "collateral damage" and not financial concerns of investors...They made a corporation and taxpayers clean up any "damages." Corporate rule in America. More such is to come. Detox treatment centers should be paid for by those firms, not taxpayers. And the medical costs. You realize no mastermind CEOs
are going to jail or paying fines? That belongs to their corporations' few hours profit.
Until the next time...