Pubdate: Wed, 11 May 2011
Source: Rockford Register Star (IL)
Copyright: 2011 GateHouse Media, Inc.
Contact: http://www.rrstar.com/contact
Website: http://www.rrstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/370
Author: Tabitha Robinson

DRUG LAWS TOO HARSH

What I most oppose about the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 is that it
does not eliminate the racial disparity between crack and powder
cocaine. Nor has it been given retroactive effect.

My opposition doesn't come by way of condoning the sales of illegal
drugs, but speaks to the fundamental fairness in sentencing and
punishments.

I believe a life sentence without parole for any first-time,
non-violent drug offender is too harsh to the extreme.

Do the math: 28 grams of cocaine base (crack) equals 500 grams of
powder cocaine. Both amounts bring a five-year mandatory sentence.

Where is the fairness in that?

Tabitha Robinson

Rockford
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