READERS RESPOND

The rush to forgive The drug-related arrest of socialite Tina Schafnitz
leaves readers wondering whether others would be forgiven as quickly.
Regarding the arrest of Tina Schafnitz for selling cocaine, I note that Ms.
Peggy Goldwater Clay and her other wealthy friends believe she "needs help
and should not go to jail." I assume these people would have the same
compassion for a Latino or black person who was caught selling a little
marijuana now and then. I think not. These folks would say, "Lock 'em up
and throw away the key."

ARTHUR JOHNSON
Costa Mesa

I love it. A prominent Newport Beach socialite gets busted for dealing
drugs, and all the talk is about rehabilitation and getting help for poor
Tina. But these same people, I'm sure, would very quickly change their tune
if a Juan Gonzales of West Side Costa Mesa had been busted dealing drugs. I
think a jail sentence is in order for Tina, not a high-priced addiction
clinic.

Let's see how the courts handle this matter.

MARTIN MULVIHILL
Costa Mesa

Reading the published comments of local society figures regarding the
alleged sale of cocaine by one of their number makes one wonder. There
seems to be an initial rush of some to minimize the crime and put a better
spin on it by confusing the two issues involved, namely dealing versus
using.

Dealing in cocaine, obviously, is a much more damning crime than the other,
although neither can be excused. Dealing is vicious and considered a crime
against society committed for profit. It represents a deliberate decision
to spread the addiction, to gain new sufferers and to destroy more people
all for the sake of profit.

Money is the name of the game. Using cocaine and heroin, while still a
serious problem and a crime, primarily harms the user even though it tears
at the fabric of society itself in an evolving and ever-widening pattern.
The dealer, however, knows only too well he is spreading the use of cocaine
and heroin. Doing so is his stock in trade. His profit outweighs any moral
consideration. His product is human misery, and he sells to the highest
bidder.

It is well to remember such distinctions when trying to control the drug
trade and addiction. It doesn't matter if the person charged is your
friend, a member of your class, or one of your pals. It's all the same; no
matter who's doing it.

REBA WILLIAMS
Newport Beach