THE RACE CARD

On May 20, I read a letter to the editor submitted by Claire Zimmer. Zimmer
implied race was an issue involving the sentencing of Shauncy Bowen. She
asked questions in the article which she knew could not be satisfactorily
answered.

Mrs. Zimmer obviously did no research on the subject of criminal sentencing
and the plea bargain system.

Zimmer played the race card on an issue she knows very little about.

Every criminal and civil case is different.

Every criminal defendant is different. One person may steal to support a
drug habit and another to feed a hungry child.

One person may kill as a way of attaining a feeling of power while another
kills in a drug-induced rage or by accident in a mutual combat fist fight.

No justice system is perfect to everyone. However, as Americans we can all
rest knowing that our justice system works harder than most around the world
to assure fair and reasonable sentences for all persons convicted of crimes.

Anyone who is perplexed by news reports regarding criminal sentences should
make inquiries into the case and learn all the facts before issuing an opinion.

I have direct involvement in two local cases of two separate persons selling
base cocaine.

The elements of each case were the same. The suspect sold base cocaine.

One suspect was a white female, the other a black male. Upon being
convicted, one was sentenced to six months in county jail, five years
probation with a mandatory one year residential drug treatment program and
the other sentenced to three years in state prison.

Without knowing the facts, a person wanting to play the race card would feel
there was a point to be made. The reality of this case was as follows.

The white female was a cocaine addict raising two children by herself and
accepting government assistance. The other was not a base cocaine user and
sold the drug solely for profit and additionally, had a long criminal record
involving gang violence, robbery, auto theft, evading arrest without regard
for public safety and drug sales.

We live in a very diverse community and enjoy a quality of life persons in
other communities do not know exist.

I have lived in many communities in several states and do know the
difference. Mrs. Zimmer, you as a grown, educated person should know better
than to make irresponsible comments on a subject that has been very real in
many areas of the world. In the future, when you perceive there is a
problem, get the facts and be part of the solution.

Joe Stetz, Lompoc