THE WEALTHY SHOULDN'T GET SPECIAL TREATMENT AFTER COMMITTING DRUG CRIMES

After reading Mr. Acel Moore's account of what should be done with
Darryl Strawberry (April 27 commentary, "Treat, don't jail this fallen
hero"), I certainly hope it was tongue in cheek, or maybe Mr. Moore
just might need some counseling himself.

Mr. Moore states, "Except for his fame and wealth, Strawberry is not
unlike thousands of Americans who are addicted to an illegal
substance," and he feels poor Darryl needs treatment, not punishment
in the form of jail time, because he is addicted and didn't commit a
crime. The last time I heard, wasn't possession and use of a
controlled substance a crime? Strawberry has been busted more than
once for the same crime.

Mr. Moore then mentions another rich and famous man, Robert Downey
Jr., and how he should be pitied for his use of drugs, just as we
should pity poor Darryl. Rich and famous people should be treated for
their crimes, while those who aren't wealthy or famous can go directly
to jail and do not pass go.

These people have been given almost every conceivable chance, and they
continue down the same path. It seems abundantly clear to me that Mr.
Moore's bleeding heart only bleeds for the wealthy. The way it should
be for anyone -- rich or poor -- "if they do the crime, they will do
the time."

Dan Dodge
Riverdale