BANGOR'S DRUG COURT

Thank you for the April 13-14 story on Bangor's Drug Court. There were so
many great points about this program, however, there were a few that really
stood out.

This program appears to have "all the right stuff," especially Justice
Andrew Mead. I've observed him in court while I served on jury duty. Honor,
respect, compassion, no nonsense, topped with a wonderful sense of humor -
what a wonderful man and perfect person to have in this position.

"The elephant in the middle of the room that nobody admits is there" deal.
We all must admit there is a huge problem including all socioeconomic
backgrounds.

Finally, the most important part of this article was the suggestion that we
are finally "getting it" - drug addiction has to be attacked from all
sides. To believe all addicts are "bad" people, that addicts need to be
"punished" for their addiction and similar mentalities is to be judgmental,
self-righteous and narrow-minded. It's time that we as a community stop
hating the people and focus on hating the addiction for which they are
enslaved to. Not that the addict has no responsibility, just that we need
to show compassion.

There are still too many people who choose to take the easy way out and
automatically label people as throwaways or scum because they are too
afraid to admit it could happen to someone in their family, or even
themselves. I applaud all who are a part of this.

Tracey Field

Hampden