COLUMN WAS OFF BASE

This is in response to Tonyaa Weathersbee's column about Sheriff John
Rutherford's plan to jail repeat misdemeanor offenders.

Her remedy for why so many young black men are in jail or prison appears to
be for the police to look the other way and not arrest or prosecute them,
except for murder or rape.

She would also have the police not patrol in proven high-crime areas of
predominantly black neighbor-hoods (her theory apparently being if you do
not arrest or prosecute the person committing the crime there would be
fewer black males in jail).

She would also (surprise!) spend more money on rehabilitation. Our public
school system spends the same amount of money on each child regardless of
ethnic background. The schools and teachers are there for anyone who wishes
to take advantage of them.

It is my belief that minority mentors -- clergy, politicians, writers and
TV personalities -- should stress that individuals should take
responsibility for their actions and ambitions, instead of teaching and
advocating the idea that local and federal governments owe them special
attention and a larger share of unearned money.

If individuals have a mind-set to learn and succeed rather than participate
in gangs, thefts, vandalism, drugs, etc., this would automatically reduce
the number of young black males in jail.

I am also sure that Weathersbee will attack the sheriff's plan to target
and map high-crime areas if those areas are in predominately black
neighborhoods.

R.L. Mutchie, retired, St. Augustine