TOUGH LOVE MAY BE IN ORDER FOR DRUG ADDICTS

Regarding the May 6 column by Amy Peikoff, "Mandatory rehab is an oxymoron"
: Although I agree with her that we do possess a will that can be very
coercing when we decide to kick a certain habit, when we are doing
something illegal, sometimes what we need is a good confrontation with reality.

In the case of Robert Downey Jr., I believe that, although he did end up
having to go to prison for his failure to show at a court hearing and for
his repeat offenses for illegal drug possession, he continues to repeat the
same mistakes.

I feel that oftentimes we need a good dose of discipline to leave us at
rock bottom. For some, a slap on the wrist or, in Downey's case, a
three-year prison sentence, merely does not work. If Downey were any
drug-addicted person off the streets, he would have faced much more
derision from the justice system. But then again, he is famous, talented
and can probably post his bail with a little more insouciance that most.

What it boils down to is that Robert Downey Jr. was found on various
occasions to be guilty of a crime, albeit a nonviolent crime, nonetheless a
crime all the same. When you have done something illegal, you have, in a
sense, bartered your argument that the government cannot infringe upon your
own pursuit of happiness should your deed or deeds be found out, and should
you be tried and convicted.

Now, for first-time offenders, leniency may be more encouraged. However,
when you are repetitive in your illegal actions, perhaps a little tough
love is necessary.

Valerie Stephens
Canton