Pubdate: Wed, 22 Oct 2003 Source: Post and Courier, The (Charleston, SC) Copyright: 2003 Evening Post Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.charleston.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/567 Author: James Boyne LIMBAUGH'S ADMISSION Re "Limbaugh Plans To Enter Rehab," Oct. 11: Rush Limbaugh's public confession only occurred after he had been caught red-handed. Had he not been caught, he would undoubtedly still be a staunch advocate of harsh punishment and jail sentences for individuals addicted to drugs. His moralistic ranting and verbal tirades over the radio airwaves are hypocritical. He has done tremendous harm and a disservice to people who are really in chronic, relentless, tormenting physical pain by explaining away his need for OxyContin, by claiming he used it for pain relief. If he were in moderate to severe pain, why would he want to give up OxyContin and return to a life of debilitating, excruciating pain? He is a disgrace to his diehard, conservative Republican credentials. He should be sentenced to 10 years of community service dedicated to fighting for the repeal of the draconian Rockefeller drug laws that have imprisoned hundreds of thousands of people with medical addiction problems (like Rush himself) and for legislation advocating the rights of people in real chronic pain to obtain affordable, easily accessible, potent pain medications without restrictions, limitations, interference and intimidation from doctors, pharmacies, insurance companies, and state and federal regulatory agencies. I wish him well. I'm glad he's really not in nightmarish, tormenting, horrific physical pain. And I'm glad he won't get caught up in the unforgiving drug possession/ addiction laws that have filled up our jails with people who have addiction problems. I've had seven operations, had six vertebrae fused in my spine, and have been in pain for 30 years. I also am out of work (downsized), uninsured (dropped by the company), and have declared bankruptcy. Rush just signed a contract for $285 million. He's all set. James Boyne 301 Harbor Pointe Drive, No. 6 Mount Pleasant - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin