Pubdate: Wed, 31 Mar 2004
Source: Tampa Tribune (FL)
Copyright: 2004, The Tribune Co.
Contact:  http://www.tampatrib.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/446
Note: Limit LTEs to 150 words
Author: Kenneth Sturmer

VICTIMS OF LEGAL SYSTEM

How many of these people called felons are repeat offenders or chronic 
lawbreakers? Fact is, a majority of these people were either one-time 
offenders or simply too poor to afford a lawyer. The racial imbalance of 
these offenders speaks for itself. It keeps the poor from voting and 
managing to change the laws that would keep them out of trouble.

This law is simply a sham created by conservative lawmakers to keep 
themselves in power. How many felons in this state are felons simply 
because of unfair laws? Many crimes that are considered felonies in this 
state are simply handled with a citation in other states. Drug possession 
being a perfect example. Likewise, many offenders are in prison here simply 
for driving without a license. Illegal, yes, but not a serious crime. 
Florida has the worst public transportation of any state. Many drive 
illegally simply to get to a job or a doctor.

These people are not criminals, but simply victims of an overzealous legal 
system that needs to be pared down.

KENNETH STURMER

St. Petersburg  
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman