Pubdate: Tue, 13 Aug 2002
Source: Log Cabin Democrat (AR)
Copyright: 2002 The Log Cabin Democrat
Contact:  http://thecabin.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/548
Author: Dave Ross

TIRED OF SPORTS DOUBLE STANDARD

I have no other vehicle for my concern other than your publication to 
express my deep concern and disappointment in the judicial system in North 
Little Rock. So here goes.

I can't for the life of me understand or believe that an individual in our 
great state can be convicted of DWI and possession of a controlled 
substance and be sentenced to a mere seven days incarceration and six 
months probation for these offenses.

There are many people serving sentences in our penal facilities who were 
caught with less marijuana and no DWI conviction and are serving years. Of 
course, they didn't run a 4.2 second 40-yard dash and play for the U of A.

My concern is what message are we sending our children? If you are an 
athlete and have some notoriety you can get away with murder in this state? 
I am really disappointed in what our moral value has become and personally 
ashamed of this political correctness.

I am trying to teach my son the difference of right from wrong, and then 
something like this comes up and I look like a fool or a throwback from 
another era. I feel this is something that needs to be addressed in our 
communities. There is a double standard here that our constitution and very 
foundation of our great country never intended.

Cedric Cobb is a criminal and should be treated as such. I don't understand 
the mindset that because he can jump higher and run faster with a ball in a 
game makes him impervious to our standard of ethics and immune from the 
laws of our great land. We see this time and time again with athletes at 
every level. They are held in such high regard that we as a people overlook 
their conduct because of something they do one day a week for our enjoyment.

This is unacceptable for me and my family and I will not simply accept the 
status quo and the mindset of "Oh well, that's just the way it is." I fully 
intend to raise my son and hold him to a higher standard even if it is an 
unpopular method of child rearing.

My point in all of this is: I will personally take this to the next level 
and for all of you "potential candidates" for public office, know this, I 
will not go quietly into that good night. I fully intend to organize people 
of like mind and give you fair warning, you will be held accountable.

Those of us who care will be watching and taking action in Faulkner County 
to ensure these types of inequities and injustices are not repeated in the 
name of political correctness here where we live and our children play. We 
will show you how we feel in the polls. You have been warned.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens