SYSTEM SHOULD PUSH DEALERS OFF THE STREETS

I am glad to see that The Daily Reflector plans to provide its readers with
regular updates on dispositions from the Pitt County Superior Court's
Criminal Division.

I found the first installment from the week of April 1 to be a real
eye-opener. Of the 38 cases mentioned, almost half were for possession of
cocaine with intent to distribute. Fifteen received suspended sentences and
probation. Included in this bunch was a man charged with assault on a
government official.

There's something very wrong going on here, and obviously, the fault is not
with the police, who risk life and limb every day to bring these criminals
in to face a judge.

The problem seems to be that once these walking pustules actually do see
the judge, all they get in the way of punishment is a light tap on the wrist.

In my mind's eye, I can see Mr. Pusher Man after his sentence is suspended.
He's smirking, sauntering out of the courtroom, gold chains flapping, his
designer pants hanging down past his waist, his cap turned around backward.

He's checking his beeper as he swaggers arrogantly across the courthouse
parking lot. He slides nonchalantly into an expensive automobile, complete
with dark tinted windows and an obnoxiously loud stereo system. Within the
hour, he's back dealing to one of his regular customers. Maybe it's a kid
who's supposed to be in school. Or a haggard young girl who sells herself
to get money to buy more of the little white rocks.

Doesn't matter to Mr. Pusher Man. But it does matter to me and a whole lot
of other people in this county.

Thank you, Daily Reflector, for letting your readers know just how the
system is not working in Pitt County. My only suggestion would be to
include the presiding judge's name in your next report. Keep up the good work.

Scott Pearce, Winterville