NO SCAPEGOAT IN DRUG DEATH

Matthew Kaminer's death from an overdose of OxyContin in April 2000 (Courts
brief in Metro Report July 21, "The parents . . . filed suit") is a tragedy
of immeasurable proportion for his parents and loved ones. As a parent of
three, I only can imagine their anguish.

Yet the filing of a lawsuit against the local pharmacy as well as the
manufacturer is another example of people's growing need to blame someone
else for their own stupid, irresponsible acts. OxyContin is a prescription
drug, a controlled substance and has potential side effects. Anyone who
takes another person's medication runs grave risks, and Mr. Kaminer assumed
responsibility for his tragic death. Is a razor-blade manufacturer
responsible for the inappropriate use of that item in an act of suicide?

When will we be able to step back and say "this is a tragedy, but he
brought it upon himself"? Young people are risk-takers; bad judgment on Mr.
Kaminer's part does not mean someone else is to blame. And certainly no
amount of money will make up for his senseless death.

IRA G. WARSHAW
West Palm Beach