SPECIAL TREATMENT

Re a July 11 Anniston Star letter ("Apply laws equally"):

Thank you for publishing Loretta Nall's outstanding letter. I'd like
to add that Sen. Richard Shelby is not the only politician who has had
a child or close relative get off with little or no punishment for
drug law violations.

In 1992, Attorney General John Ashcroft's nephew, Alex Ashcroft, then
25, received probation for growing 60 marijuana plants in his home.
The 60 marijuana plants were found in a basement crawl space, with a
lighting system, irrigation system and security system.

Alex Ashcroft was prosecuted on state charges and received probation.
Not a mandatory prison sentence as required by federal law if he were
prosecuted in federal court.

In the drug war, there's one set of laws for ordinary people --
especially poor people -- and another set of laws for those who are
related to powerful politicians.

Kirk Muse

Mesa, Ariz