SHUN ILLEGAL-DRUG LINKS

I'm writing in response to Teresa Whiting's Jan. 12 letter titled "Mandatory
Minimums Unjust." While there is widespread agreement that these sentences
are sometimes applied unfairly, Ms. Whiting's argument was obscured by her
suggestion that her brother was unfairly victimized.

Fortunately, we can all avoid such consequences by choosing not to affiliate
with drug dealers or users. It is difficult to feel sorry for someone who is
responsible for setting a positive example for three children, yet persists
in associating with someone who "has been arrested for drugs many times
before."

ASHLEE FRENCH, Lakeland