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Let's hope Rush will see that the Right is wrong on the drug war
October 15, 2003 1:10 am

SO THE NATIONAL Enquirer was right--Rush Limbaugh does have a drug problem. As you probably know by now, the archconservative radio personality has admitted having a painkiller addiction.

Though it may take a bit of self-discipline for some of us, we should resist any temptation to revel in Limbaugh's misfortune--or vilify him for his apparently illegal behavior (it seems inconceivable that he could have fed his habit without illegally obtaining the drugs). Like millions of Americans, Limbaugh has a serious health problem--a debilitating dependency on addictive substances.

Limbaugh's admission should be greeted as an opportunity to acknowledge a few truths: 1) drug abuse is primarily a public health problem; 2) the get-tough criminal-justice approach to the problem causes more harm than good; and 3) the war on drugs disproportionately targets those who don't fall into the same demographic as Limbaugh....