VICTIMS OF LEGAL SYSTEM

How many of these people called felons are repeat offenders or chronic
lawbreakers? Fact is, a majority of these people were either one-time
offenders or simply too poor to afford a lawyer. The racial imbalance of
these offenders speaks for itself. It keeps the poor from voting and
managing to change the laws that would keep them out of trouble.

This law is simply a sham created by conservative lawmakers to keep
themselves in power. How many felons in this state are felons simply
because of unfair laws? Many crimes that are considered felonies in this
state are simply handled with a citation in other states. Drug possession
being a perfect example. Likewise, many offenders are in prison here simply
for driving without a license. Illegal, yes, but not a serious crime.
Florida has the worst public transportation of any state. Many drive
illegally simply to get to a job or a doctor.

These people are not criminals, but simply victims of an overzealous legal
system that needs to be pared down.

KENNETH STURMER

St. Petersburg