Pubdate: Wed, 22 Oct 2003 Source: Times-Picayune, The (LA) Copyright: 2003 The Times-Picayune Contact: http://www.nola.com/t-p/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/848 Author: Ron Rickerfor Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1637/a08.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Rush+Limbaugh Focus Alert: http://www.mapinc.org/alert/0279.html YES, WEALTH HAS ITS BENEFITS Cynthia Tucker implies she recently experienced a flash of insight: Wealth has its benefits. Ms. Tucker attempts to juxtapose "a young black man with little money" addicted to cocaine and marijuana, with "Rush Limbaugh, a wealthy, middle-aged white man" addicted to pharmaceuticals. She insinuates that these cases are analogous, but that Limbaugh has received and will receive preferred treatment because of his color and affluence. Ms. Tucker, it would seem, would have Limbaugh apologize for his wealth -- albeit earned through effort and sacrifice. And she resists the distinction that Limbaugh's addiction was via pharmaceuticals, originally prescribed following surgery, while the addiction of the "young black man" was via cocaine and marijuana apparently following his search for a high. Yes, both are addicts. But the disparity is stark. If Limbaugh's wealth provides a benefit in his treatment and justice, hey, more power to him -- that is the beauty and strength of our government and country. One can rise above one's station in life to access these available benefits. Opportunities exist for all. Some are just more adept and industrious at accessing them -- whether white or black. Ron Rickerfor Metairie - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk