Pubdate: Fri, 03 Oct 2003 Source: Roanoke Times (VA) Copyright: 2003 Roanoke Times Contact: http://www.roanoke.com/roatimes/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/368 Author: Alicia Steadman POLITICS PLAYS INTO METHADONE PROTEST AFTER READING your Sept. 25 news article "Politicians propose change in law to keep out methadone clinic" regarding Republicans Morgan Griffith, Brandon Bell and William Fralin coming out against the methadone clinic on Colonial Avenue and Ogden Road, I can only describe it as opportunism at its hypocritical finest. Two of the supporters aren't even elected officials yet. As a political independent, I was hoping these potential new voices from Southwest Virginia might have a more moderate view of party politics. But not surprisingly, they sway away from social accountability toward gaining the popular vote in Roanoke without even knowing or researching the real dangers of the methadone clinic. As reported in your article, a simple phone call to Galax would have revealed at least a glimpse of the real risk we would be taking. But no, it's jump on the popular opinion bandwagon and use fear to gain popularity (and votes). Let's learn together to gather the facts before we jump to conclusions and change laws that may not be socially responsible. Alicia Steadman, Salem - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens