NIMBYISM IS THE PROBLEM - NOT THE CLINIC

With all the recent protests of new methadone clinics coming to
Roanoke, I notice the "not in my back yard" syndrome taking effect -
the attitude that many people seem to acquire when they see a problem
and want to help, but they don't want it in their back yard. Wow, what
a cop-out.

Those who are seeking help should be helped and should be looked upon
with compassion, not as criminals and vagrants as so many seem to feel
they are.

Just because people are addicted to a drug doesn't mean they're a bad
person. Rather, they're generally good people who are addicted to
something bad.

I've seen people strung out on heroin and how they struggle while
going through therapy. It's hard enough for them to get the help they
need without having to put up with people who seem to be too
self-centered to lend a hand.

The problem isn't the clinics coming into the valley. It's the ongoing
closed-mindedness of so many people who turn their backs on those who
need help. Sometimes we all need to take a walk in someone else's shoes.

BEN DAVIS

ROANOKE