APPLAUD SOARES FOR DRUG LAW STATEMENT

I completely disagree with Andrew VanWagenen's assertion that David
Soares is making hypocritical or political statements about the
Rockefeller Drug Laws. That he (Mr. VanWagenen) is a retired police
officer is no surprise. The us/them mentality is the first thing to
be overcome in this discussion.

The prison industrial complex of New York has gotten obese on the
Rockefeller Drug Laws. Immediately after one poor, inner-city kid is
carted off to prison for dealing, another one steps up to take his
place. I live in the inner city, Mr. VanWagenen. That is what is
"standard" in my community. Mr. Soares knows that this is what's
happening, and has been for years. This is status quo. And I applaud
Mr. Soares for daring to say so.

I cannot see how making this statement is "against the police." This
is a ridiculous and superficial reading of his statements.

We live in a high-tax state. Frankly, it is about time change
happened, and if David Soares has the guts to, at very least, start
serious discussion, then let the man speak. It's time we all spoke up.

Unfortunately, we live in a time when speaking the truth is political suicide.

Linda O'Malley

The NEST Shuttle Project

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