WHO IS MISINFORMING PUBLIC?

To the Editor of THE EAGLE:- I opened this morning's Eagle (Jan. 27)
and immediately saw a cry for help. The group known as Concerned
Citizens for Appropriate Justice (CCAJ) was looking for answers to a
few questions that they have not been able to figure out. They ask
in the headline "Who is misinforming the public" about an individual
charged with selling narcotics. And then later they ask where the
big-time dealers who should be caught and prosecuted? Apparently,
CCAJ does not know the answer to their own inquiries.

From my understanding, a person who gives narcotics for money or
even nothing to another person, whether it be once or hundred times,
has just dealt narcotics. The person has not kept it; the person has
not thrown it in the dump; the person has not buried it in the
backyard. The person has, in fact, dealt narcotics. Can I invite CCAJ
to tell the public what their definition of dealing narcotics?

And while the group is responding to that question, could I ask them
to give the basis of the remarks they have called the truth? The next
case it is trying to influence involves "a 17-year-old who was
persuaded by an undercover cop to sell (deal?) him marijuana and the
sale (deal?) involved "one joint" and it was the teenager's first
offense (in dealing?)"

Based on their assertions of the truth, one would have to imagine
that members were present during this sale as well as shadowing this
particular individual at all times of his life? Otherwise, how could
they assert the truth? Unless, of course, they cannot because they
were not. And I imagine the members of the CCAJ were not exactly
doing their own surveillance of the (formerly) problem parking lot in
Great Barrington.

I invite CCAJ to let the public know on what basis they claim that
the "extremist" behavior on the part of the district attorney that
"elected officials across the United States" find "outrageous"? Who
are the elected officials nationwide who are so outraged?

So, CCAJ, the answer to your headline question is that it appears
that it is you that is misinforming the public. If CCAJ wants to know
where the big time dealers are, simply open the B section of The
Eagle on Page 4 today and you will see at least one of them is doing
15 to 20 years in prison thanks to our district attorney.