Robert Downey Jr.

* Re “Downey’s Latest Lapse Another Jarring Reversal,” Nov. 28:

I’m sorry to read of Robert Downey Jr.’s latest troubles with the law. Sorry that this gifted actor, quite possibly the best of his generation, will not be able to practice his craft because he’ll probably be behind bars. Sorry that instead of making money and paying big taxes, he will instead probably be costing the system thousands of dollars to keep him incarcerated. And sorriest of all that this man who has killed nobody, stolen nothing, vandalized no property and harmed nobody but himself will probably be locked away as a scapegoat to appease booze-swilling, cigarette-smoking, prescription-pill-popping hypocrites who want to “send a message about drugs.”

STEVE HOFFMAN

Hermosa Beach

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* I am saddened by Downey’s recent relapse and angered by his arrest. Drug addiction, like alcoholism, is a disease and should be treated as such. If a person is stopped for driving under the influence of any drug, or in other ways putting people or property at risk, that person should be arrested. The same should apply to anyone who provides alcohol or drugs to minors. A person should not be sucked into the criminal justice system for ingesting a substance to change the way he or she feels.

I pray that Downey finds whatever it will take to overcome his addiction, but I believe the matter should be left to Downey, his family and friends, his medical and mental health advisors and, most importantly, his God.

ROBERT K. VUKOVIC

Portland, Ore.

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* Until Downey solves this very basic equation, “One is too many, six isn’t enough,” he will continue his cycle of abuse, rehab, abuse, rehab. . . . Apparently even the vileness of jail can’t make an impression on him. It’s a simple, one-step solution. When the need comes, don’t give in to it. And only he can make that decision. Addiction is forever. The need never goes away. Until he makes up his mind to stop, he’ll keep on doing what he’s doing.

PAUL J. BURKE

Palmdale