DANTINI DECISION

One can only wonder

I remember reading the headlines in The Herald regarding the arrest of
Snohomish Country Treasurer Bob Dantini on felony drug charges and domestic
assault. At that very moment, I thought to myself that the case would not be
prosecuted or Mr. Dantini would be acquitted on both charges.

I didn't have to gaze into a crystal ball or call the psychic hotline to
know that Mr. Dantini was holding two trump cards in his poker game with the
local criminal justice system: He was white and politically well connected.

It is very unfortunate in a state which projects an image of zero tolerance
toward crime (i.e., three strikes legislation, .08 alcohol limit and
mandatory arrest for domestic violence calls) that the indigent and
politically disconnected are being arrested, prosecuted and imprisoned in
record numbers.

This occurs for all manner of alleged criminal behavior, but Mr. Dantini
will not stand trial on drug possession and domestic violence charges. I'm
not a lawyer, but there appears to be substantial evidence of illegal drug
possession based upon drug tests and of domestic violence assault based upon
the statements of the victim to the police at the time they responded to the
911 call.

The adjudication or, should I say, the capitulation of the Snohomish County
prosecutor in not filing charges against Mr. Dantini makes a mockery of the
notion of a fair and impartial criminal justice system.

It exposes both the racism and hypocrisy which ultimately breed cynicism,
contempt and disrespect for both the advocates and institutions of law and
order.

One can only wonder if Mr. Dantini was one of the thousands of poor and
indigent defendants who were facing similar charges in King, Pierce or
Snohomish counties, what would be the likelihood of the filing of criminal
charges, a trial before a judge or jury and a conviction with a sentence of
jail time?

Mr. Dantini is very fortunate that he escaped conviction on both charges.
There are a lot of people who are not as fortunate.

Maybe he should count his blessings or his lucky stars.

One can only wonder!

FAHEEM SIDDIQ, Everett