GUIDANCE, UNDERSTANDING GET STUCK BEHIND BARS

Thank you for printing the opinions of Sally Shephard, "Legal system, drug
system run poorly," and Travis McBride, "Who do we 'condemn' for
irresponsible behavior?" on June 2.

It thrills my heart to see others realizing that we are throwing the baby
out with the bath water due to our fears, ignorance, and bigotry.

What we need are more people to "judge them not guilty," as in the story of
Jesus and the woman accused of adultery by the Pharisees. The style of
leaders is always to toss out the baby with the bath water in trying to
stop harm to society. But there are many unintended consequences. The next
generation is being destroyed.

I hope we can soon begin to practice love and not make war with our own
children. Guide them, help them, and understand them.

Our egos have become so large that I fear the world will end as I know it,
from fire - the fire of hatred in the soul.

I, too, am open to conversation. The next legislative session in Austin
begins in January, and there is much work to do.

I can be contacted at cochraind@prodigy.net.

Debra Cochrain

Fritch