'VICTIMLESS' CRIME

Re the Feb. 12 story Florida drug law at center of case: Richard
Paey's case is a perfect example of a "crime" committed in the name
of a fraudulent drug war. Paey has not done the slightest injury to
anyone, yet prosecutors think that it serves justice to send him to
prison for 25 years.

Throwing a person in prison for a "victimless crime" cannot be
justified by anyone who professes a belief in the Bible. Paey, who
bought painkillers, did not murder or maim anyone, yet prosecutor
Scott Andringa thinks that it's right to send to prison for 25 years
a wheelchair-bound man suffering extreme chronic pain who was trying
to ease his agony.

The prosecution can show no injury whatsoever to justify that
sentence, but insists that an immoral law must prevail.

REDFORD GIVENS

San Francisco