DON'T RENDER DRUGMAKER GUILTY FOR EASING PAIN

Your Feb. 3 news article headline "Doctor charged in OxyContin case held on
$200,000 bond" underscores another medical malady in America. While I
oppose anyone aiding or abetting in illegal distribution of drugs, I also
oppose doctors allowing needless suffering when it could be prevented.

Dr. Cecil Knox may be guilty as charged. But my point is, as Knox's
attorney Tony Anderson said, "A lot of doctors are scared half to death to
take on Dr. Knox's cases." It's obvious why they're afraid. OxyContin abuse
and fear of being labeled drug pushers created the fear, and doctors
hesitate to prescribe OxyContin when a patient could greatly benefit from it.

Perdue Pharma invested millions to bring this drug to the market. Now,
they're being looked at by some as profiteers who put profit above all.
This surely dampens other research for pain relief or painkiller drugs by
them or other drug manufacturers.

All narcotic drugs can and are being abused to some extent. We cannot
protect drug abusers from themselves. Let's not inflict unnecessary pain on
the masses to protect abusers.

Try Knox and his associates with an open mind. If he's guilty, render just
punishment. But don't render a guilty verdict for Perdue Pharma, which
manufactured the drug for a humane, worthwhile purpose.

Howard Hall

Roanoke