RESPONSIBLE DRUG USERS

Should we view Rush Limbaugh's choice to use addictive pain killers the
same as cancer patients choosing marijuana to treat the side effects?

While many people can distinguish between Limbaugh's circumstances and
others who use drugs for mental pain relief or recreation, by his own
admission he chose addictive drugs as powerful as heroin over other
options. Should society consider him dangerous and lock him up like many
other nonviolent, hard-working taxpayers for choosing drugs less powerful
than the pain killers he was addicted to?

Limbaugh was never a danger to society as long as he could easily obtain
painkillers and didn't drive while impaired. He was a responsible,
functional drug user like many others who use illegal drugs. Many who adore
him extend compassionate support while demanding that users of less
powerful drugs such as marijuana be locked up.

Could someone explain the difference between having a few drinks in the
privacy of your home and becoming impaired and someone smoking marijuana in
the privacy of his home?

The only difference is one risks losing freedom and gaining a criminal
record while the other can tell his co-workers and get a few laughs.

DAVID WADE WILLIAMS Durham October 16, 2003