Jog, your post reminds me of who I was in my drinking days....
I found all sorts of excuses, and blame, and reasons, to ladle on life, and others.
Collectively, I thought it excused me from having to except the same charge (of myself) that I willingly attached to others, things, etc, that I thought obstructed my life.
If these things could only be removed from my life, society, etc, then my life would correct itself, accordingly.
You see, I didn't choose to become an alcoholic, no....
It was a byproduct of having to medicate myself due to the pressures this world exhibited upon me.
From TV commercials that showed if I drank their beer, I would be driving Clydesdale in the snow to a very betchin house, at Christmas time, where everyone would have to love me

To the scenes on the TV news, that showed maimed soldiers in Vietnam, to old folks, eating dog food because of our tax structure favoring the rich....
Jog, you have no right to challenge me, or why.
Even tho you might be in possession of truth and facts, that prove my thinking in error.
I do not have to accept them.
Why?
Because they run counter to the real truth in my life, that is why!
You know what that truth was/is?
Its because I would rather drink, than to face life, on life's own terms...
Which translate to the understanding that I have NO CONTROL over life.
It comes regardless of my actions or thoughts.
All I have is myself, who, is the one person who has the CAPACITY to give himself what it is that I desire, acceptance.
Love of self.
Then if I love myself, why would I want to destroy myself with booze?
Why do we choose actions that run counter to that of what we seek?
The list is a biggie

But the list is as unique to each, and for each to uncover themselves.
Though absolutes can help, if one has the strength to pick up that knowledge and use it to view their own life.
Hey dude, thanks for the post that brought me back clarity.....