Re Is Addiction Really a Disease? (May 17): Margaret Wente's analogy of addiction and cancer is incorrect. She makes reference to the high "recovery rates" of doctors and pilots. As one of these physicians, I would like to point out I am not recovered but in recovery. The disease is chronic and all too often fatal. It requires continuing treatment, most commonly in the form of regular attendance at 12-step meetings. To suggest that this is not a disease begs the question as to whether Ms. Wente believes the cure for anorexia is to simply eat more or if getting over depression involves just thinking happy thoughts. Queen's University, Kingston [end]
Proposition 5, which is on the November ballot, calls itself the "Nonviolent Offender Rehabilitation Act." It seeks to entice your vote by claiming to support drug courts and rehabilitation, and promises to reduce our prison population and thereby lessen California's ongoing budget woes. As with most initiatives, Prop. 5 was written by an advocacy group. Those who take the time to read it will find it is very long - my copy is 36 pages long and printed in a font size reminiscent of what we see in the "small print" on those late-night TV ads. [continues 460 words]
I HAVE two questions concerning the tragic death of Keith Bailey. What type of man is a Texas-based Drug Enforcement Administration agent who, off duty, engages in a confrontation that leads to the death of a citizen of Virginia? What type of man is a Roanoke spiritual leader who seeks justice by insinuating violence that divides the citizens of Virginia along racial lines? James A. McGrath Eggleston [end]
[end]
