DO NOT REPEAL ROCKEFELLER DRUG LAWS

A recent letter writer was correct when he wrote about politics and how it
affects the lives of people. However, it is not the inmate we should be
concerned about.

A quick check of the New York State Department of Correctional Services Web
site confirms that the author's brother was convicted of an A1 and B felony
for drug possession. This means that he was selling drugs.

How many lives were affected through his nefarious crimes? How many
innocent brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers and children were victims of
his crimes?

The writer should also note that his brother is not in prison for drug
addiction, and that the prison system has kept him dry for the last 11 years.

If his brother has been a "model inmate" since his incarceration, then
apparently the prison system has so far done its job of rehabilitating him.
Saying he is a "model citizen" is a real stretch considering the only place
for him to be a model citizen is with fellow incarcerated felons. If this
individual can rehabilitate himself with the help of the state, then so be
it. If not, he is where he needs to be: away from innocent people.

Our streets are the safest in 30 years due to the Rockefeller Drug Laws.
Yes, for many people these laws are a revolving door to prison. However,
these people must learn to accept responsibility for their actions instead
of blaming harsh drug laws.

Politicians should not feel pressure to amend or eliminate these laws,
because there are a host of other serious crimes related to drug dealing.

It is a source of comfort to the majority of citizens to know that drug
dealers will be dealt with harshly, thus eliminating other serious crimes.
We need not be so permissive as to let drug dealers roam the streets.

Bill Morgan

Gasport