DEMS TO BLAME FOR SENTENCING LAWS

Dear Editor: Never let the facts get in the way of a good polemic. In
classic, knee-jerk fashion, Dave Zweifel writes, "Now that the
Democrats have retaken Congress, these asinine mandatory (drug)
sentences may finally become a thing of the past."

Let me begin by saying the draconian drug sentencing guidelines
passed in 1986 desperately need to be changed; on that we agree. I'm
quite certain the case that touched Zweifel's heart -- a marijuana
plant conviction -- involved a white male. The sentencing guidelines
involving crack cocaine are exponentially worse and target black males.

Now some history that Zweifel either forgot or chose to deceive you
by inferring it was Republicans who spearheaded these awful
sentencing guidelines.

In June 1986, Len Bias, University of Maryland basketball star, and
the No. 1 draft pick of the Boston Celtics, died of a crack overdose.
Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill saw a political opportunity. In a
blatantly political move, O'Neill introduced and passed these racist
sentencing guidelines trying to portray himself and the
Democrat-controlled House as "tough on drugs."

So, in a circumspect way, Zweifel is correct. Now that the Dems once
again have control maybe they can fix the travesty that they
committed 20 years ago.

Nick Spinelli

Cottage Grove