SENATOR HYPOCRITE

Denise Ducheny's solution--jail time--for drug users who relapse while
trying to kick the habit by going to treatment is the height of ignorance
and hypocrisy ["The Front Lines," Aug. 17]. She and her husband Al have
always opposed--with judgmental fervor--programs, including syringe
exchange, designed to help addicts accept treatment.

When Sen. Ducheny was arrested for drunk driving in Sacramento several
years ago, I thought she would accept personal responsibility and be more
sensitive to the complexity of drug addiction. Instead, she hired a good
lawyer, used her political influence and pled guilty to a wet
reckless-driving charge. That way she avoided drunk-driving school and the
stigma of being an elected official with a DUI. Now she seems to think it
is safe again for her to throw stones from her glass house.

Ian Trowbridge, Mission Hills