YES, WEALTH HAS ITS BENEFITS

Cynthia Tucker implies she recently experienced a flash of insight: Wealth
has its benefits.

Ms. Tucker attempts to juxtapose "a young black man with little money"
addicted to cocaine and marijuana, with "Rush Limbaugh, a wealthy,
middle-aged white man" addicted to pharmaceuticals. She insinuates that
these cases are analogous, but that Limbaugh has received and will receive
preferred treatment because of his color and affluence.

Ms. Tucker, it would seem, would have Limbaugh apologize for his wealth --
albeit earned through effort and sacrifice. And she resists the distinction
that Limbaugh's addiction was via pharmaceuticals, originally prescribed
following surgery, while the addiction of the "young black man" was via
cocaine and marijuana apparently following his search for a high.

Yes, both are addicts. But the disparity is stark. If Limbaugh's wealth
provides a benefit in his treatment and justice, hey, more power to him --
that is the beauty and strength of our government and country.

One can rise above one's station in life to access these available benefits.
Opportunities exist for all. Some are just more adept and industrious at
accessing them -- whether white or black.

Ron Rickerfor

Metairie