DRUGS AFFECT US ALL

I just read the letter rebuking Pastor Richard Hill for his comments in a
recent article.

I live in Oildale and consider myself a nice, decent person. I do not think
Rev. Hill was referring to all of Oildale. But I must say the author of the
earlier letter has his or her head stuck in the sand and cannot see what's
going on around him or her.

There is an epidemic of drug addition going on in this country. Some areas
are worse than others and Oildale is one of them.

Drug addiction has no respect of the person. It happens in the families of
the rich and poor, educated and noneducated. It affects the families of
politicians, police officers, ministers and oil field workers. It affects
people of every ethnic background. I know from experience. It has affected
several members of my family.

When you see a young life of talent, hopes and dreams being smothered out
by the desire and craving of the drug, you cry for help! And you don't care
where it comes from. If it takes a preacher on a street corner or a rehab
like Teen Challenge, you thank God for it.

I hope the earlier writer never has to face the evilness of drug adiction
and the hurt and the pain it causes. But if he or she does, I hope that
there is someone like Pastor Hill who they can go to for help.

Brenda Parsons, Oildale