Dens of iniquity
A native of Greene County, I was born during the ebb tide of the Great Depression. In those days, people hooked on drugs were called “dope fiends.” More recently, that has been changed to “drug addicts.” Why the change? I don’t know.
The point is made to help show that drug abuse is not something new to Greene County. Historically, it has been part of Greene County.
A couple of years following high school, I enlisted into active military service, which became my career. Although I have never been a “dope fiend,” I gained a great deal of knowledge dealing with the issue as part of my duties.
Upon retiring in 1982, I returned to Greene County. It wasn’t long until I witnessed behavior and activities reminiscent of my past observations with drug trafficking. I felt compelled to discuss the matter with pillars of the community with whom I was acquainted. The typical response went something like this: “No! We don’t have a drug problem around here! Maybe in some big places like Pittsburgh or New York or Chicago. But not around here. No!” Others simply avoided talking about it.
Oddly enough, within a short period of time, a nearby school put up signs saying that it was a “drug-free zone.” A billboard for the Greene County Drug Task Force is posted on the school grounds. Obviously, these projects served no useful purpose. Recently, local media reported our school administration is applying for a grant to purchase Naloxone, which reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.
Beyond that, our county government is planning to set up “Greene Zone” neighborhood watch groups intended to curb the use and sale of illegal drugs.
I would very much like to have an answer to the following question: How did it happen that Greene County dreams of utopian bedroom communities have devolved into dens of iniquity?
Paul Lagojda
Cumberland