In response to “Treatment of Opioid Addiction is Example of White Privilege” which appeared in the Sept. 21-27 issue of North Country This Week: In the early 1980's there was not the knowledge of addiction that is now known.

To paint addiction as a black versus white issue is a pathetic attempt to keep a division of individuals. We are not Anglo-Saxon American, or Irish-American or Slovac-American not African-American. We should all identify as American first as that is what we promised when our ancestors came here as "bonded serfs", slaves etc.

None among us were totally "free". Not until our founding Fathers stated that all are created equal, and stated we all have the right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, as long as it is within the confines of laws created to protect all of American citizens.

If the individuals who are here do not wish to honor the pledge that their ancestors made to hold this country above all, to protect and in return be protected, to be provided religious freedom and in return respect that freedom and fight to defend the country and constitution that provides these rights to them, and not try to sabotage her by attempts to divide her citizens with false statements.

Addiction and addicts have been and always will be a drain on all countries it effects, as it is only now that we fully understand that addiction can be hardwired into an individuals DNA. Please do not make addiction a black/white, race of any color, gender, creed, or any other splitting of Americans as addiction effects and drains resources of all Americans. Addiction is a cruel, life robbing, color, gender blind, heartbreaking disease.

You sound very bitter and are pathetic in your attempts to further keep playing the race card. We are Americans first and foremost, there are Americans of African descent, Puerto Rican descent, Italian descent, but you must be an American first and foremost.

If you cannot identify and honor the nation that fights so hard to keep you free than you should return to the country you identify with. In other words do not make addiction or any other issue about race, but about the issue. It is only by forming a united front that we can create change to help defeat addiction or change any other issue.

Nanci Strunk