Not long ago I read that there are over 100 kinds of 12-step programs addressing various types of substance or behavioral abuses. Millions of people belong to these groups, and there is a close tie between these groups and the justice system. Indeed, the latter frequently mandates participation in such groups.

Given that the focus of these groups is, without exception, on individual “misconduct” and on the demonizing of the substances and behaviors in question, whatever they may be, and that absolute anonymity and secrecy are intrinsic and unwavering features of these groups, and given the vast number of people involved, surely it is not unreasonable to speculate that a more profound, underlying phenomenon is at work – namely a political one.

I suggest that our health, happiness and well-being are directly linked to the health of our democracy, which is in near-terminal condition at this time.

Unjust taxes, unfair differences in income and wealth, military spending run amok, with senseless worsening quagmires in Iraq and elsewhere, the middle class workers and the poor being destroyed by crushing economic and work burdens, record deficits – aren’t these enough to make anyone sick? And, if so, aren’t these 12-step groups at best a temporary palliative and, at worst, a stifling of democratic dissent, enforced by a judiciary employing religion for the purpose?

Paul Corrao, Auburn