Don’t blame society for drug abusers
Gregory Kane’s April 3 column, “Blame for drug abuse goes to abusers,” was right on target.
If poverty is the root problem of all that is wrong today, our parents and grandparents, most of whom lived through the depression, would have died from drug overdoses.
They didn’t depend on the government for their way of life. Instead, they made the best of what they had and came through for the most part, with strong work ethics and a desire to make it on their own.
Most would have rather starved than go to the government for assistance.
When is the rest of the world going to wake up to the fact that society should not be held accountable because of the paths a person chooses in life?
arbara Johnson
Baltimore
Give addicts dope, crime will decline
As a pharmacist, I have had contact with a number of “medical” addicts who were being treated by physicians. They were active members of society who did not have to rob or steal to obtain the drugs.
Baltimore Police Commissioner Thomas C. Frazier pointedly stated that half of the city’s estimated 50,000 addicts do not want to get off drugs.
I agree and add that many cannot get off drugs.
It is to this smaller population that I suggest the following: Allow, on a voluntary basis, hard-core addicts to be remanded to a facility that will give them their drug of choice. If an addict ever decides to “kick” the habit, services could be provided to help him or her.
I believe that, for the most part, these unfortunate people only want their drugs.
To that end, if society provides the drugs and a home, the need for these addicts to rob and steal will stop. Law enforcement will be able to concentrate its priorities in other areas to further reduce crime. It appears to be a win-win situation.
Phillip Paul Weiner
Baltimore
Grasmick article was unjustified
Clearly, Nancy Grasmick did not condone or authorize her husband to use her name in the radio commercial.
Equally clear is the fact that Lou Grasmick did not know that it was inappropriate. Obviously, all he wanted to do was support Harbor Bank, a minority-owned enterprise that he believed was doing a great job.
I have known the Grasmicks for about 12 years and they are both very honorable, honest and ethical people of the highest integrity who devote themselves to charitable endeavors. The April 4 article does not do them or your paper justice.
Renee Themelis
Baltimore
Ron Brown offered a real message
On a warm late fall day in 1995, I had the privilege of meeting with and serving on the dais at Bowie State University with Commerce Secretary Ron Brown for the dedication of the university’s international flag day.
In attendance was the President of Chad, the ambassador and representatives of 20 nations, and 500 students, who carefully listened to the secretary’s vision for international economic development.
His speech passionately set forth the premise that only through a reliance on business opportunities can countries prosper and individual growth be fulfilled.
HTC Ron Brown’s speech was a crusade for developing the best blend of private sector and human responsibility to maintain world order.
As I watched the faces of the young students and international leaders in the audience, I observed that sense of extraordinary self-confidence that real leaders and role models exude when they believe in what they say and accomplish their goals by performance, not cheap talk.
The secretary urged the next generation of leaders and the international community to understand they must be actively engaged in promoting business opportunities in order to chart the best course for improving the human condition.
Clearly not a traditional message from a Democrat, but one from an outstanding American citizen who had the right vision.
The secretary had agreed to return to the university in 1996 to continue to engage our students. We at the University of Maryland System will miss this wonderful leader who gave himself for public service in support of the best vision of America’s role in the world as an economic leader, not the world’s police force.
Edwin S. Crawford
Towson
The writer is a regent of the University of Maryland System. Pub Pub Date: 4/12/96
