Pubdate: Tue, 16 Apr 2002
Source: Augusta Chronicle, The (GA)
Copyright: 2002 The Augusta Chronicle
Contact:  http://www.augustachronicle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/31
Note: Does not publishing letters from outside of the immediate Georgia and 
South Carolina circulation area
Author: Paul F. Beck

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.
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