Lets not let this go the usual way of bickering please.
I've got thick skin so don't take it to heart. I've been there got the t-shirt and read the book.
All I would ask everyone to do is put yourselves in Amy's parents shoes right now. As the saying goes " walk a mile in my shoes before you claim to know me "
Drink and drugs are never the true evil, they are the result of other symptoms. Every crack head, pot head, alchoholic started out life the same as every banker, MP, painter, decorator, Mum, Dad Uncle tom cobbly and Father christmas.
Somewhere in their lives they felt the need to turn to a means of escape. Some are lucky and take to bungie jumping, parachuting, X-Fighting and a million other sports and passtimes that help them get through life. Some sadly turn to booze and drugs. Why I have no idea and nor does anyone that doesn't truly know that person.
My Brother had a 50K a year job working in Libya as a draftsman, he had 3 houses and 3 cars, a Moto Guzzi motorbike, and a half share in a stunt glider. You'd think he was happy. Sometime when he was about 18 he started to get a liking for the drink. My Mum and myself have spent hours and hours trying to figure him out. My Dad liked a Lambs Navy Rum at Christmas, always a tot never a pint. He got hat from his days in the Royal Navy. My Mum liked an odd tipple but not much. Myself I'm nearly teatotal, I like a Guiness now and again, occasionaly an Irish Whiskey.
I'll tell you I'm a seriuos depressive, but do I turn to drink or drugs no I don't.
Have a I ever figured out my brother, nope nor do I give a damn. He wasn't a good brother to me, or a good son to my Mum after my dad died.
But and this is why I feel really sad for Amy's Mum, Dad and family.
Imagine holding your Mum who is 74 in your arms whilst she sobbs like a baby, imagine wiping the tears from her face as she weeps for her first born.
I'm not trying to be melodromatic, I actually shed a tear for those poor people in Norway today, I don't bear grief for just those who are famous.
Now let me step down from my soapbox. Please just think beyond the person thats drunk or drugged up. It doesn't just affect them.
This world is F***** up enough as it is lets not bring it to TP somewhere I feel at home in.