OVERCOME FEARS

Re: Addicts' clinic will hold us constant hostages to fear, July 17.

Letter-writer Sherie Purie complained about the location of Dr. Jeff
Daiter's methadone clinic in downtown Ottawa. She described a
fear-filled scenario, concluding that "it is totally unfair to expose
senior citizens, children and women to what could become a potentially
dangerous street when there are so many other viable options."

Ms. Purie does not mention one threatening act by methadone clinic
patients to lend even the slightest credence to this paranoia. In
fact, these patients are much like other patients at clinics for
"respectable" illnesses.

She would benefit from trying to overcome her prejudices. Then she
might become less fearful, and live better.

Harry D. Fisher,

Woodland Hills, California