Time to put aside our differences

When our community learned that Councilwoman Laura Bettencourt was ill with cancer, all demonstrated sympathy and empathy. Even those who disagree with her politics prayed for her recovery. It takes a certain kind of person to be able to put aside political differences and wish no harm upon an adversary. It requires a certain level of compassion.

Cancer is a disease we would not wish on our worst enemy and the same holds true for alcoholism. In 1972, when I first entered the drug and alcohol prevention arena, I learned that alcoholism is a disease, should be decriminalized and not viewed as a sign of moral turpitude or a character flaw. During these 51 years, society has made strides and now widely supports this perspective. Even the City of Palmdale now has a policy affording employees or officials an opportunity to access treatment for addictions before taking corrective personnel action.

After hearing Councilwoman Bettencourt’s reaction to Councilwoman Alarcón’s recent DUI arrest, we wonder why Bettencourt didn’t demonstrate the least amount of empathy for her female cohort. There is no doubt that some long-standing opponents will seize upon this and come out in force to deride Alarcón, but why would Bettencourt support their position? How didn’t she recognize that her colleague is afflicted with an illness in the same way that she is?

I pray for Bettencourt’s recovery the same as I pray for Alarcón’s recovery. Alarcón suffered tragedies as a very young child. I urge Bettencourt to consider these before casting judgment and making decisions that could be life-altering.

More have been impacted by issues of addiction than we know. Just as one can redirect their life towards recovery, I hope that Bettencourt will rethink her punitive position and instead steer the council in the right direction on this issue.