Aren't all drug-related deaths tragic? If so, why do we as a community and a nation tend to ignore the 38,000 overdose deaths in the United State each year until it claims the life of someone with celebrity status? Whether it’s Philip Seymour Hoffman dying of a heroin overdose or Whitney Houston from cocaine abuse, is their life more important than the life of your friend, relative or neighbor who may have also succumbed to drugs?

Perhaps the media coverage of Hoffman’s recent passing is a good thing. We need to shine a spotlight on the drug epidemic that is sweeping through Western New York right now, paying no attention to the social status of the victims in its path. 

“Thank-A-Vet” Program Honors Veterans

To each and every American who has worn the uniform of the United States, I simply say “Thank you for your service”   ~Erie County Clerk Chris Jacobs

On Veterans Day, we honor the men and women who have served our nation, both in war and in peace; the men and women who answered the call to defend our nation. The United States rose to greatness on the strength of their service and their stories are woven into the fabric of our nation’s history. More than 26 million veterans are alive today, one million of which have been wounded and many of whom receive treatment for battlefield injuries and mental trauma suffered in battles few of us remember but they will never forget. 

By Tom Torbjornsen

Hello Western New York! It’s Tom Torbjornsen, your automotive guru, hoping you all are well and wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving! Drive carefully and defensively this weekend as some people may celebrate the holiday a bit too much and drive under the influence. And, be sure to check back here each week for my new automotive column.