Pubdate: Wed, 15 Oct 2003
Source: Watauga Democrat (NC)
Copyright: 2003 Appalachian Technologies, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.wataugademocrat.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2322
Author: Lacey Eldreth

METH: PUNISHMENT SHOULD FIT THE CRIME

Editor: I have lived in the town of Boone all my life and I've always loved 
the mountains. It is beautiful here. But, considering recent events this 
place doesn't look so good to me anymore. This new charge with which the 
district attorney has charged our men and women troubles me greatly. I 
don't think it is appropriate to insinuate that these people are guilty of 
producing biochemical or chemical weapons of mass destruction. They weren't 
cooking up bombs to blow anything or anybody up, if they were cooking 
anything at all. They were accused of producing methamphetamine. Drugs and 
chemical weapons are two completely different things. These men and women 
are Americans, not terrorists. I think that our law enforcement are 
treating them as if they've killed or tried to kill people but they 
haven't. They haven't even badly hurt anyone. They shouldn't be treated as 
if they are as bad as or dangerous as Afghanistan troops. I'm not saying 
that they are doing nothing wrong or dangerous. I'm not saying they are. 
I'm simply saying that they should not be prosecuted on such a charge. I 
also believe that they should not be held in jail on such extreme amounts 
of bond. The inmates who have been charged with these kind of charges have 
bonds that are higher than the bonds set for people who've been charged 
with things like sexual assault, attempted murder, and child molestation. 
It's easier for them to post bond and be released than it is for the 
inmates who've been charged with manufacturing drugs. I am a female citizen 
who would much prefer a sexual offender, a child molester, or someone 
completely violent be kept off the streets than an accused meth producer 
for my own personal safety. They aren't out here attacking others and 
causing anyone any direct physical harm. I believe that they shouldn't be 
treated so unfairly or unjust. Charge them with manufacturing but don't 
charge them with trying to make bombs. I know that there are others in this 
town who agree with me but they are just too scared to speak up and let 
their opinion be known. If we would all take a stand together maybe then 
our voices would be heard. I will be the first to take a stand and voice my 
opinion. Maybe others will follow my lead. I am tired of keeping quiet. I 
disagree with the sheriff and the D.A. If I don't speak up then I can't 
expect anyone to listen to me and try to do anything to change it. I am 
taking a stand and crying out for our American men and women. They are the 
victims of injustice.

Lacey Eldreth

Sugar Grove
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens