Pubdate: Wed, 08 Feb 2006
Source: Berkshire Eagle, The (Pittsfield, MA)
Contact:  http://www.berkshireeagle.com/
Address: PO Box 1171, Pittsfield, MA 01202
Fax: (413) 499-3419
Copyright: 2006 New England Newspapers, Inc
Author: Kelly Mickle

WHO IS MISINFORMING PUBLIC?

To the Editor of THE EAGLE:- I opened this morning's Eagle (Jan. 27) 
and immediately saw a cry for help. The group known as Concerned 
Citizens for Appropriate Justice (CCAJ) was looking  for answers to a 
few questions that they have not been able to figure out. They  ask 
in the headline "Who is misinforming the public" about an individual 
charged with selling narcotics. And then later they ask where the 
big-time dealers who should be caught and prosecuted? Apparently, 
CCAJ does not know the  answer to their own inquiries.

 From my understanding, a person who gives narcotics for money or 
even nothing to another person, whether it be once or hundred times, 
has just dealt narcotics. The person has not kept it; the person has 
not thrown it in the dump; the person has not buried it in the 
backyard. The person has, in fact, dealt narcotics. Can I invite CCAJ 
to tell the public what their definition of dealing  narcotics?

And while the group is responding to that question, could I ask them 
to give the basis of the remarks they have called the truth? The next 
case it is trying  to influence involves "a 17-year-old who was 
persuaded by an undercover cop to sell (deal?) him marijuana and the 
sale (deal?) involved "one joint" and it was the teenager's first 
offense (in dealing?)"

Based on their assertions of the truth, one would have to imagine 
that members were present during this sale as well as shadowing this 
particular individual at all times of his life? Otherwise, how could 
they assert the truth? Unless, of course, they cannot because they 
were not. And I imagine the members of the CCAJ were not exactly 
doing their own surveillance of the (formerly) problem parking lot in 
Great Barrington.

I invite CCAJ to let the public know on what basis they claim that 
the "extremist" behavior on the part of the district attorney that 
"elected  officials across the United States" find "outrageous"? Who 
are the elected  officials nationwide who are so outraged?

So, CCAJ, the answer to your headline question is that it appears 
that it is you that is misinforming the public. If CCAJ wants to know 
where the big time dealers are, simply open the B section of The 
Eagle on Page 4 today and you will  see at least one of them is doing 
15 to 20 years in prison thanks to our district attorney.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman