Pubdate: Mon, 20 Oct 2003
Source: Kansas City Star (MO)
Copyright: 2003 The Kansas City Star
Contact:  http://www.kcstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/221
Author: Dan Carmack
Focus Alert: http://www.mapinc.org/alert/0279.html

RUSH LIMBAUGH 

In the news lately is the report that conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh
has admitted an addiction to prescription pain medications. It is also
reported that he may have broken laws to obtain these drugs. It was brave of
Rush to come forward and use this opportunity of media attention to finally
ask for the medical attention that he so obviously needs.

He is under investigation, reportedly, for purchasing the painkillers
illegally. I think this should also be a time for America to review just how
hard drug prohibition makes it for victims of addiction to seek help. Would
society be better served if Rush were sent to prison for his medical
problem, or if drug abuse was always treated as a medical problem instead of
a criminal problem?

Who would benefit by sending Rush Limbaugh to prison if he violated drug
abuse prohibition laws, since he has harmed only himself?

The fact that his alleged conduct would have been illegal actually made it
harder for him to ask for help, just as it does for all of the other drug
abuse victims in America.

Dan Carmack Liberty, MO
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