CONVICTS HAVE RIGHT TO GET ON WITH THEIR LIVES

To the Editor:

Recently Jeremy Browning reported on several men convicted for being
involved with the distribution of drugs.

I was disappointed to see photographs published. The public has a
right to know that law enforcement and the courts dealt with the
"outcry" about the problem of the drug trade by reading the detailed
article. The persons convicted now have the right to get on with their
lives without more embarrassment.

The sentencing should be punishment enough, and as some return to the
community, it is time to allow them to try to become better citizens.
Casual acquaintances do not need to associate their faces with a past
mistake.

Some of these men may have just been ready to begin imagining a better
way to be part of the community. Having their past dragged out in
front of the public must be very disheartening to them.

I certainly don't excuse anyone for being involved in crime, but I
hope we can be a more discreet society after having decided on the
punishment.

Sincerely,

Michele Thomas

Steamboat Springs