STATUTE BEGS FOR PARDON

Regarding "Mercy Plea Travels A Painful Road" (Metro, Dec. 19):

Dan Ruth often writes about bureaucracy gone wild, so it was natural
for him to write about the case of Richard Paey, who is afflicted
with multiple sclerosis and chronic pain, and was sentenced to 25
years - no parole allowed - for cutting corners to treat his pain.

The prosecutor worked seven years through three trials to send Paey
to prison. Most of us blame prosecutorial misconduct, but the real
culprit is Chapter 893 of the Florida Statutes, under which Paey was
prosecuted. The only way to block such prosecutions - Paey is not the
only one - is for Chapter 893 to be declared unconstitutional as
cruel and unusual punishment.

If Gov. Jeb Bush fails to commute Paey's sentence, this case will
likely go to the Florida Supreme Court, which has the power to end
the abusive reign of Chapter 893 and see that Paey is sent back home
to his family.

John Chase

Palm Harbor