So, why the continual denial that race was a big factor in the election? by certain liberals even?

[wildeyed]

31. Treating a disease as a moral failing and criminal problem leads to predictably bad results.

Not sure if I understand your reply. People, mostly black people, are STILL in jail for drug offenses that would net a few years, max, now.

Widespread addiction was/is a symptom of larger dysfunction in society. Urban black community were segregated, redlined and 'renewed' into a state of chronic economic instability. Chronic stress can lead to mental illness, including addiction. White rural communities now find themselves in similar situation and are having many of the same problems. But somehow society see their suffering and is willing to extend a helping hand and a bunch of second chances. Which is GOOD. They are right to see addiction as a disease. It's progress. But it makes me really mad that when the black community has identical problems, we called them immoral and criminal. We didn't see them as humans who were suffering in difficult situations. We see them as people who brought it on themselves.

Criminalizing drug addiction just creates more criminals. That's fairly clear. Yet there is a whole different standard for POC who suffer with the disease.

And that is white privilege in a nutshell for me. White people suffer. Addiction, chronic economic instability, you name it. And they say, "I suffer too! All people suffer! Don't make it all about race! If you fix my suffering, it will get better for ALL people who suffer!" But they don't see the different standards that society applies to POC with identical problems or why that might need a separate remedy. All they can see is their own suffering.

Or at least that is my view as a white person who dealt with addiction problems, got MANY extra chances, eventually got better and is a functional, contributing member of society now. If I was treated as criminal I would have become one permanently. Or maybe just died. Who knows.