Screaming Penguin

I know Rush Limbaugh has called for the heads of everyone involved in the drug trade for years. I was frankly, reminded by this story that no matter the hypocracy, the galactic stupidity, or anything else Rush might be accused of, we should apply the same standard to him that we want to apply to anyone... ANYONE... else. The fact is, the drug user is usually relatively low in the chain, and aside from that, barring DUIs, drug use is a victimless crime. For people like myself who have argued for rehabilitation over incarceration for years as the most benefitial and cost-effective solution, it is tempting to say, throw away the key on Rush. But much like freedom of speech means defending the people you don't agree with, rehabilitation means living with the Rush's of the world. I would point out, however, if he was dealing in the quantities alledged, he still doesn't face the same charges as someone dealing crack in the same doasages. Moreover, I saw some GOP jackass talking about how "He wasn't dealing on the street corner," as though the country-club addicts should be immune from the "real" War on Drugs. I have, personally, dealt with a drug addition, and it is hard as hell. I wish Rush all the best. But we need to stop hiding behind prosecution as a solution to the drug problem and treat it as a "Health" issue. "Whitey" treats drug addiction much like alcoholism. It's "cute" when its the funny Mom on that 70's show, but tragic when it turns up as the Native-American on COPS. We should be treating all these cases for what they are, an illness and a social health problem, rather than a federal felony.