NO ORDINARY DRUG ADDICT

Re: "Rich junkie, poor junkie," Other Opinions, Oct. 18.

In Cynthia Tucker's column comparing Rush Limbaugh and a poor black male, I
believe Tucker has missed the point: Drugs, economics and society.

Rush Limbaugh preached to thousands on the radio not to use drugs -- I
think Quentin S. never could have. Sad but true.

Limbaugh is addicted to prescription drugs rather than a hallucinatory
addictive substance. This is a slightly different situation -- I doubt he
ever thought his medication would be addictive when he first took the
prescription for a medical problem. Quentin S. took a banned addictive
substance, possibly to escape reality.

Rush Limbaugh is not a danger to society. He is wealthy enough not to have
to steal or mug for drug money. Quentin S. may be tempted to. Sad, but
possible.

Rush Limbaugh pays a fortune every month in income tax. I doubt Quentin S.
ever has paid much. To incarcerate Limbaugh would cost the state money in
both prison expense and lost income tax when he is only a danger to himself.

Geoff Hughes

Destrehan