Pubdate: Thu, 25 Aug 2005
Source: San Diego City Beat (CA)
Copyright: 2005 San Diego City Beat
Contact:  http://www.sdcitybeat.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2764
Author: Ian Trowbridge

SENATOR HYPOCRITE

Denise Ducheny's solution--jail time--for drug users who relapse while 
trying to kick the habit by going to treatment is the height of ignorance 
and hypocrisy ["The Front Lines," Aug. 17]. She and her husband Al have 
always opposed--with judgmental fervor--programs, including syringe 
exchange, designed to help addicts accept treatment.

When Sen. Ducheny was arrested for drunk driving in Sacramento several 
years ago, I thought she would accept personal responsibility and be more 
sensitive to the complexity of drug addiction. Instead, she hired a good 
lawyer, used her political influence and pled guilty to a wet 
reckless-driving charge. That way she avoided drunk-driving school and the 
stigma of being an elected official with a DUI. Now she seems to think it 
is safe again for her to throw stones from her glass house.

Ian Trowbridge, Mission Hills
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom