Pubdate: Wed, 09 Nov 2005
Source: Berkshire Eagle, The (Pittsfield, MA)
Copyright: 2005 New England Newspapers, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.berkshireeagle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/897
Author: Crystal  Moening
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05.n1634.a08.html

DEALERS WERE WRONG, BUT SO IS LAW

To the Editor of The Eagle:

I am appalled by the amount of time and energy being invested in the young
adults from Great Barrington that are, or have been, tried for selling
marijuana. The motivation behind this is solely because they come from
affluent homes. If these kids were from the west side of Pittsfield, would
anyone stand  up and voice concern for them? What makes these kids above the
law? They were caught selling drugs, and that makes them drug dealers, not
innocent kids. I do not support the mandatory two-year sentence for selling
or possessing drugs in a school zone. While I understand the need to protect
children at school from predators, I believe it is unfair not to look at
each situation individually to ensure that the punishment fits the crime.
There is a big difference between a career drug dealer and a student who
made a poor choice. Society will not necessarily be a better place with
these kids  behind bars. Chances are they will be an asset to society
someday. Jail would  only lessen those odds.

I just think it is sad that it takes some rich kids getting caught for
anyone to think this law needs to be re-examined. Maybe if someone
cared when this became a law, this would not be the situation being
faced today.

Crystal  Moening

Pittsfield
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