Pubdate: Fri, 25 May 2001 Source: Tampa Tribune (FL) Section: Nation / World, page 22 Copyright: 2001, The Tribune Co. Contact: http://www.tampatrib.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/446 Author: John Chase, Palm Harbor JUDGES TAKE THE HEAT Regarding three letters of May 21 complaining of the mild sentences given to Darryl Strawberry by a drug court judge: Not surprising that some readers don't agree with the drug court judge. They have been conditioned to believe that our problems can be cured by mandatory sentencing laws and messages of retribution and vengeance. Doesn't work; at least it hasn't in the 28 years we have been trying. Drug courts are intended to find new ways to rehabilitate low-level drug offenders through sentences other than prison. Drug court judges will continue to take the heat for these novel decisions. Our politicians should support them and not backslide to the useless tough-on-drugs rhetoric of the past. John Chase Palm Harbor - --- MAP posted-by: Beth