Hi Folks, My name is Lazarus and I have never posted on your board before. Like FueLaw, I was never subjected to Straight, but I am a former Seedling and qualified to speak from experience. What we all endured as children and young adults in these centers was at best despicable and probably criminal, but I think FueLaw was right telling you not to expect much in the way of recompense. Those of us who are recovering addicts know that disappointment is at least doubly proportional to our expectations. I am not suggesting that these people shouldn't be held accountable for their acts, but they are the very people who make the laws we are required to follow in order to prosecute them. As I recently posted on the Seed board, The Seed, Straight, Art Barker, Mel Sembler, et al. were quite simply using us as a means to an end. Our misery and pain simply collateral damage or acceptable loss. There is none so powerful, as he who has the control of youth. (and that is true both literally and figuratively) These men gained enormous power and influence, not to mention a fair amount of wealth and fame at the expense of a generation. Do you think it was a mere coincidence that so many of us we were the sons and daughters of Judges, Lawyers, Mayors, Police Chiefs, Senators and what have you? How do you think Mel went from being a nothing, nobody to being a US Ambassador? Probably a couple of ways, but so I won?t make charges I can?t prove, I?ll put it this way. He did it either by exerting pressure on or gaining the confidence of our parents, and parlaying that into influence and that influence into prestige and power. FueLaw was not trying to rain on anyone?s parade as has been suggested, or worse, he is realistically pointing out that any attack you bring will be ten times as vigorously defended. How long do you think it will be, before he reminds any potential jurors that those who would persecute him are all accused druggies who lack any credibility.
In closing let me just say this. While our experience was painful and humiliating, it is only through experience that we become the adults we are today. As far as our youth is concerned, we can be one of three things. A victim, a survivor or a student. Those still allowing or requiring this experience (read Sembler, Barker et al.) to motivate them to move on, are only allowing themselves to remain victims. It has been a long time since I've even thought of Art Barker or any of his cronies, that I would choose to let him have so much imaginary power over me today is ludicrous.
