I was dumbfounded to read Connie Frankowiak's July 6 letter to your paper stating her reasons why America's drug laws should be abolished. She states the American legal system favors the rich and powerful; that those who have friends in high places get off lightly at sentencing; that drug agencies only raid the poor neighborhoods. She should tell that to Nick Nolte (alcohol), Robert Downey Jr. and numerous musicians and other artists. Too often we use class consciousness to explain why some are supervised by agencies or institutions and some are not. We could use economic status as well. In fact, some do. However, crime is a young man's game. Crime hides frustration and lack of self-worth. It is most likely those who feel the most frustration are those who are arrested and convicted. [continues 97 words]
Re: Ms. Laurel Kaskurs' latest letter indicating that Proposition 36 is a trapdoor catching "family members, friends and loved ones" without any warning at all. I don't know where she learned that relapse is a normal occurrence of recovery. Relapses happen, but not in every case. The relapses that occur under Prop. 36 usually are in connection with another crime that brings it to the court's attention. If Ms. Kaskurs would ask the people she is concerned about how they obtained the money for the substance they use (including alcohol) she might see why the idea of removing them from the community is relevant. Substance abuse programs in a correctional setting are sponsored by, and are every bit as good as, community based programs. Prop. 36 wants to help the abuser but must protect the community as well. The rest of the letter regarding our future and the elite circle is poppycock. Frank Alfred Davis Leucadia [end]
Last week was the second of three weeks set aside to consider House bills on the floor. March 12 is the deadline. Some of the measures, considered and approved last week were: .... HB 2596 allows the governor to order the Oklahoma National Guard to assist law enforcement officers in drug matters. National guard members would have to volunteer for the duty, which could take them beyond Oklahoma's boundaries. Once assigned to duty under the bill, National Guard members would be on federally funded status and could be helping federal, state or local law enforcement agencies. .... Rep. Frank W. Davis represents Guthrie and Logan County in the House of Representatives. he writes a weekly column about house matters during each session. [end]