Pubdate: Wed, 02 Feb 2005
Source: Daily Southtown (IL)
Copyright: 2005 Daily Southtown
Contact:  http://www.dailysouthtown.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/810
Author: Matt Korzeniowski

NO SYMPATHY FOR DRUG CRIMINALS

I find it interesting that your editorial of Jan. 27, "Wider use allowed 
for drug-sniffing canines," suggests that the recent U.S. Supreme Court 
ruling "could take us perilously close to random searches." Have you ever 
heard of roadside safety checks? I think they could fairly be characterized 
as "random searches" for drunken drivers.

Where is the outrage? The message seems to be, "Let's not illegally seize 
criminals' drugs, but woe to the individual who stops for a (legal) drink." 
I am not making light of the very serious and very real problem of drinking 
and driving. My guess, however, is that the average citizen would prefer 
resources be better put to use in an attempt to rid the streets of drugs 
than to extract revenue in the form of fines and court costs from the 
person who stopped for a drink.

Citizens might be willing to trade a little personal liberty for the 
possibility of taking a real criminal off the streets. Another case of 
misguided righteous indignation.

Matt Korzeniowski

Tinley Park 
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MAP posted-by: Beth