In the fast-paced world of media and information dissemination, the line between truth and fiction can sometimes become blurred. Recent news surrounding Elon Musk provides a striking example of how making statements about someone without concrete evidence can have far-reaching consequences, not only for the individual involved but also for the companies they lead and the people they influence. In this blog post, we will explore why it is a terrible idea and arguably unethical to make statements that aren’t entirely true, especially when it comes to public figures like Elon Musk.

Elon Musk recently faced an accusation involving the use of illegal drugs. The claim suggested that Musk had used substances such as LSD and cocaine, both classified as Schedule 1 drugs in the United States. The implications of such accusations are significant, given Musk’s influential role in publicly traded companies and the legal ramifications associated with Schedule 1 drugs.

The crux of the issue lies in the absence of direct proof, such as pictures, videos, or firsthand accounts, to substantiate these claims. Without concrete evidence, making statements about an individual’s behavior can be likened to creating smoke and mirrors, potentially damaging reputations without a solid foundation.

It’s important to acknowledge that drug use is a complex and multifaceted issue. Many individuals, both legal and illegal drug users, lead perfectly functional lives. In Musk’s case, the accusation raises questions about the necessity of such claims in the absence of clear evidence.

In a supportive and realistic world, it becomes crucial to recognize that certain individuals may choose to use drugs responsibly. HR departments in various companies have implemented programs to facilitate open discussions about such issues, particularly for leaders where responsibilities and stakes are high. A more constructive approach would involve addressing concerns directly with the individual, fostering an environment where dialogue is encouraged, and support systems are in place.

Moreover, the world of entertainment, including the music industry, has long been associated with drug influence. Visiting the artist areas of events or festivals often reveals practices that might shock traditional HR professionals. However, it’s essential to differentiate between those who operate in a freelance capacity without government contracts and those working within corporate structures that explicitly prohibit illegal drug use.

In corporate environments, employees typically sign agreements indicating their commitment to refrain from engaging in illegal drug use. While companies may conduct drug tests upon hiring, periodic testing during employment is typically reserved for specific reasons. This creates a scenario where functional drug users can navigate their professional lives without jeopardizing their careers, provided they adhere to company policies.

The key takeaway is that making unfounded statements about someone’s behavior, particularly when it comes to sensitive issues like drug use, can have severe consequences. In the case of public figures like Elon Musk, such claims can not only harm personal reputations but also impact the companies they lead and the livelihoods of those employed by them. Not only that but how far behind we are with company policy where we allow full-blown alcoholics to work in corporations and even encourage caffeine (yep, it is a drug, I am for sure addicted here) to fuel our workforce. Tobacco use is also defended by corporations. So check out this: let’s say you start showing up to work late, missing a deadline or two, and your boss isn’t your biggest fan. This boss can work up a case against you and have HR back them and put in a request for a drug test as that must be it, right? In those drug test results, you had a dash of THC pop up in your results because of the CBD gummies you take for your back pain. Let’s even say you live in a recreational state where TCH use is legal. You went the CBD route because you know prescription painkillers are horrible for you, and if you think about it, you are taking heroin on some level, so no thank you, CBD all day. Since this result popped positive and your boss again, isn’t your biggest fan, he orders HR to remove you from your job because you broke policy and haven’t been meeting your job requirements. What is the real reason why your performance took a hit at your job? Who knows, and who cares, maybe you bent down to wash your feet in the shower and pulled your back and now it just takes you longer to do things, the reason why you show up late, and sitting at your computer for long periods further hurts your back, the reason why you have been late turning in things. So in corporate America, the better option here is to get a bunch of pain pills, drink a bunch of bourbon, take a load of cigarette breaks, and tell your boss you are in pain so all of this is necessary and you would be free and clear of losing your job. In the former situation maybe you told a trusted coworker that you bought some gummies and maybe you didn’t even know it had THC in it, but they did and they wanted your job, so it was a big plot to get you out of the job.

I also don’t even think if you went to HR with your THC use if you did dabble in smoking or eating it, that would go over well as corporations are not set up for this. However, you can go to an HR professional with your extreme alcoholic issue and pill problem, and they are set up to link you up with their addiction affiliates and will promise your job to be held until you are ready to come back to work. I am not fighting for drug use to be allowed as I do believe some drug use is indeed bad and super dangerous especially now with the Fentanyl issue. The danger of Fentanyl is the situation where someone believes they bought a little MDMA for their annual music festival they go to with their friends and the only time they touch drugs but end up dead because they got Fentanyl instead. I will say if drugs were made legal and policy was rewritten fewer people would be dead and there would be fewer addicted persons as people will understand the dose they are taking and what they are taking is actually what they meant to take. Also, company leaders and normal workers wouldn’t have to fear losing their jobs because they dabble a little in a little weed or other drugs that now have clinical proof that it is beneficial for real human problems, including alcoholism, tobacco addiction, and many mental health issues. Until then though my PSA is:

Snitches Get Stitches, and haters gonna hate. The whole Elon thing if anything is going to happen is more people are going to purchase LSD and cocaine because if that makes you run top companies and become the richest man in the world then sign me up lol, not me, but those people on line that are looking for the habits of the richest people and that tend to practice what other people preach because they don’t have a mind of their own. Every day people and even journalists need to be more responsible and take care with the statements they make. Stop trying to tear people down because you aren’t good enough. If someone is in a higher position than you and you get some rumored dirt on them and feel that is going to drop them down a level if you make this public, you better make sure it is true and it matters.

How about this for an alternative, get your stuff together and work harder in your own life, and trust me, amazing things will start to happen. Stop all of the cancel culture, it isn’t doing the world any good. Stop being the kid no one likes that is running up to the teacher on the playground saying someone isn’t being nice to you when the truth is you just don’t catch a hint that your just not a friendly person and people don’t like to be around you.