Pubdate: Mon, 8 Nov 1999 Source: Los Angeles Times (CA) Copyright: 1999 Los Angeles Times Contact: Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053 Fax: (213) 237-4712 Website: http://www.latimes.com/ Forum: http://www.latimes.com/home/discuss/ DOWNEY'S PRISON TERM FOR DRUGS (2 of 2) When are Hollywood stars going to realize they also live in this real world and are subject to laws like you and me? A few years ago I did a 16-month term for drugs; but unlike Robert Downey Jr., I don't carry guns. I did not receive the prison time for the drugs, per se, but for my refusal to follow the court's orders. Downey, by screwing up to a greater degree, received a three-year term. Being only a drug offender, I was placed in Level 1 prison classification. I was issued a tennis racket, basketball and guitar; and I sang in the church choir. The food was always good and except for not being able to leave, I had a pleasant stay. The time I spent in prison for my drug problems helped me more than any rehab facility could. Drug testing and counseling will not work for people who feel they are smart enough to beat the system. All his legal maneuvers and high-priced lawyer action make all of us who require public defenders sick and disgusted. I suggest the actor should play his finest role here: Grow up, own up to your responsibilities, pay your debt to society, stop whining and take it like a man. Anthony Sciarra, Alhambra - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D