RIPS LOCAL JUDGES, CONGRESS FOR BEING SOFT ON CRIME

Letter to the Editor

Two local judges deserve the title, "criminal coddler." Both ignored
sentencing guidelines for repeat drug dealing and imposed a lesser sentence
than society wants. Locking criminals up is done to protect the law-abiding
majority, not to give a drug peddling, get-rich-quick parasite a vacation
at home. Probation for 20 years? Get a grip, judge. We, the people, want
the criminals kept away from us. If it means more taxes for more prisons,
I'm willing.

And let's not forget the lame brain, who appealed his
less-than-it-should-have-been sentence. Handed a 22-year stretch for
selling 22 pounds of cocaine a week, which did not measure up to the
guidelines for sentencing, he appealed (against the advice of his attorney,
I might add). The appeals court agreed with the prosecutor who appealed the
sentence. Now this loser is serving 30 years to life. I, for one, hope it
is life.

It is a sad comment on American values when a man such as U.S. Sen. Ted
Kennedy, D-Mass., can get away with pointing a moral finger at anyone. The
"hero" of Chappaquiddick accused a sitting federal judge of not having the
temperament to be what he has been for the past 10 years - a federal judge.

When 10 senators conspire to thwart a vote by the whole U.S. Senate on a
nominee when the federal bench is understaffed, justice and the safety of
Americans take a back seat to partisan politics.

Thanks to Sen. Zell Miller, D-Ga., for protesting the actions of his fellow
Democrats. He is proof that, at least in a few minds, the country comes
before the party.

Paul F. Beck

Martinez, Ga.