Pubdate: Tue, 08 Jul 2003
Source: Buffalo News (NY)
Copyright: 2003 The Buffalo News
Contact:  http://www.buffalonews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/61
Author: Bill Morgan

DO NOT REPEAL ROCKEFELLER DRUG LAWS

A recent letter writer was correct when he wrote about politics and how it 
affects the lives of people. However, it is not the inmate we should be 
concerned about.

A quick check of the New York State Department of Correctional Services Web 
site confirms that the author's brother was convicted of an A1 and B felony 
for drug possession. This means that he was selling drugs.

How many lives were affected through his nefarious crimes? How many 
innocent brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers and children were victims of 
his crimes?

The writer should also note that his brother is not in prison for drug 
addiction, and that the prison system has kept him dry for the last 11 years.

If his brother has been a "model inmate" since his incarceration, then 
apparently the prison system has so far done its job of rehabilitating him. 
Saying he is a "model citizen" is a real stretch considering the only place 
for him to be a model citizen is with fellow incarcerated felons. If this 
individual can rehabilitate himself with the help of the state, then so be 
it. If not, he is where he needs to be: away from innocent people.

Our streets are the safest in 30 years due to the Rockefeller Drug Laws. 
Yes, for many people these laws are a revolving door to prison. However, 
these people must learn to accept responsibility for their actions instead 
of blaming harsh drug laws.

Politicians should not feel pressure to amend or eliminate these laws, 
because there are a host of other serious crimes related to drug dealing.

It is a source of comfort to the majority of citizens to know that drug 
dealers will be dealt with harshly, thus eliminating other serious crimes. 
We need not be so permissive as to let drug dealers roam the streets.

Bill Morgan

Gasport
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