APPLY LAW MORE JUDICIOUSLY

I read with interest the front page story today, Kelvin teen flunks judge's
drug essay (Dec. 5).

Two things struck me about the story. The first is that the Free Press has
chosen to get the pusher's story out to the public for him. There are
excerpts from the story printed as an inset presumably for emphasis and to
assist those who could not get through the text of the story proper. The
point was made that the teen made his choice and that was not to comply
with the spirit of the judge's sentence. In my opinion, the Free Press has
taken a Sun-like approach to news reporting that is irresponsible journalism.

The second issue is the response from the judge. Surely, Judge Cathy
Everett cannot be seriously considering that if this person submits a more
agreeable second paper to her that it would be a less than honest
declaration written in protest and for the sole purpose of avoiding a jail
sentence. More disturbing is the fact that the initial sentence called for
community service, in part to speak to young people about drug use. Well,
he has had his say to the readers of the Winnipeg Free Press, Judge
Everett. One can only hope that better sense will prevail in this
individual's case and the law will be more judiciously applied to this
trafficker, who has declined the invitation to comply with the sentence of
the court.

JACK KING

Winnipeg