The issue is this problem never went away. Minorities are still being punished disproportionately for drug use [1]. I don't think that we should let spite dictate our reaction to the opioid crisis but it indicates maybe its time to stop pretending that the drug war was a necessary evil, especially given we might be about to double-down on it (and most likely continuing to disproportionately convict minorities) [2].
Yes, but I can understand well enough where that sentiment comes from to not overreact when other people find it frustrating that we find empathy on drug issues that affect large numbers of white people. It doesn't have to be right for it to make sense and to have enough class to not pretend the drug war never happened. Just acknowledge it and take the high road.
[1] https://www.aclu.org/sites/default/files/assets/141027_iachr... [2] http://www.businessinsider.com/jeff-sessions-vows-to-ramp-up...