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What about vets who became hooked on pain-killing drugs after suffering injuries, but are unable to afford, or unable to obtain, "legal" drugs in civilian life? Seems the main difference between Rush and a poor vet hooked on pain-killers is economic resources - one can afford to obtain "legal" drugs, the other cannot. Face it, what is disturbing is that Rush's addiction to drugs forces people to examine and justify thier WOD poisition.

Actually a lot would depend on the nature of the vets injuries and how they were suffered. If the medical condition is going to be long term then they are usually medically retired so that their continuing care is provided under the military health care system; which would include help for a resulting addiction to prescribed pain medications.

If they were simply discharged, but had suffered injuries in the line of duty, then those injuries and any resulting conditions, including addiction to pain medications as a result of those injuries, can be treated via the VA. The quality of VA care is independent by region; there are actually some quality VA centers out there.

In either case, if the injuries were received in the line of duty, the vet could get care with a resulting addiction to prescribed pain medications.

What about vets who became hooked on pain-killing drugs after suffering injuries, but are unable to afford, or unable to obtain, "legal" drugs in civilian life? Seems the main difference between Rush and a poor vet hooked on pain-killers is economic resources - one can afford to obtain "legal" drugs, the other cannot.

Should we throw Rush in jail because he has lots of money?

Should we confiscate the money of wealthy people and distribute it amongst the poor?

Some people have lots of money; others don't. That's life.