Simon,

I used to be one of the ones on the other side of drinking.. and to be honest looked at others who didn't drink and thought they were a little weird..my whole family did not drink..now that I do not drink at all..I look back at those times and think..where was the fun in any of that?? Maybe a little here and there..but I sure am having a lot more fun now..not drinking..and I look at people who don't drink with a hell of a lot more respect..but it took me to be on both sides to get that way..SOME people just can't see both sides..and never will..I wish it was not so.

As for the self injurers, I too used to be a self injurer and know what it is like to be looked upon as if you are mental because of it. I believe those particular people are uneducated and scared of something they have no knowledge about. I guarantee if they knew someone who was experiencing it or knew a little bit about it themselves they would be a little more sympathetic toward it..at least we could hope so, right?

As for people with Disabilities, Simon, this pisses me off just about as much as it does you..I look at these people the same as I would anyone else..another human being..a person who has overcome a challenge..someone that should be treated with the same respect as the next..and when someone puts them down and disrespects them simply for the fact that they are different in some way really really sets me off..and like you Simon I always voice my opinion..I have worked in many organizations and charities with disabled children and adults..and I can not stand for one of them to be put down and disrespected by another child or adult in any way..and should the need arise when someone should have to step in and voice such an opinion..its normally me and MY big mouth!!