FOREIGNER CASE

THE NEWS MEDIA in Holland may have a difficult time understanding why one
of their countrymen, Boyd Kitter, was returned to America - specifically to
Lubbock - to face the music for an 11-year-old federal drug case. We have
no such difficulty.

A simple review of the facts answers the question about whether it was
worth the trouble to bring Kitter back to face justice.

The defendant was arrested, along with other defendants, in March 1991 for
possessing and distributing cocaine. He apparently cooperated with
authorities for a time after his arrest by confessing and giving statements
about his involvement. But he was confronted about inconsistencies in his
statements in July 1991 and fled the country.

When it came to a decision about whether to bring Kitter back to face trial
or simply write off the case and dismiss the charges because he was out of
the country, there was no decision to make. It was a no- brainer.

What kind of message should we send to foreign visitors to the United
States - that they will be expected to abide by our laws and will be
punished if they do not or that they can break our laws but everything will
be forgiven and forgotten if they run away?

Foreigners in America are guests of our nation and have the responsibility
to know our laws and not violate them. It is irrelevant if our laws are
different from the ones in their country or if they disagree with them.

Kitter chose to break the law and expected to face the consequences for his
foolish choice. His attempt to flee justice did not absolve him from the
crime, nor should it have. No criminal should ever get off the hook by running.

He was found guilty this month by a jury and is awaiting his sentence. That
is just what he deserves - no more and no less.