COMPASSION OR INCARCERATION?

Shame on The Post for insensitive sensationalism in referring to Robert
Downey Jr. [Style, Nov. 27] as a "35 year old actor/addict."

Were Mr. Downey suffering from epilepsy or asthma would The Post have
called him a 35-year old "actor/epileptic" or "actor/asthmatic"?

Addiction is a disease. Practice compassion.

Lisa Fallin Paddock, Camp Springs

Richard Cohen lets one star blind him from seeing the sky ["Robert Downey's
Problem--and Ours," op-ed, Nov. 30]. He describes Mr. Downey and drug
addicts generally as "mere users" and observes Mr. Downey's drug use with
"pity" not "fear."

Mr. Downey is a rich man who indulges his drug abuse in a $600 per night
resort hotel. He is not soon expected to rob, steal and maim to acquire
drugs. However, Mr. Cohen would be wise to fear the long, broad network of
people engaged in supplying Mr. Downey and not-so-celebrated drug addicts
with cocaine and methamphetamine. What are these people willing to do to
ensure that Mr. Downey can get drugs?

Nonviolent drug users should be directed toward treatment before
incarceration. However, what treatment opportunities have been beyond the
reach of Mr. Downey? He is a repeat offender who has demonstrated, again,
that he cannot care for his condition. I hope his next incarceration will
be the treatment he responds to.

John Verdi, Takoma Park