Snitches

[Richard Romeo]

Depressing Frontline episode last night about the government's use of 
informants in the drug war.  How mandatory sentencing laws passed in the 
80s have put folks away for years in over-harsh sentences, taking 
judgements away from judges who normally are able to review each case 
individually.  In effect, more than 50% of those sentenced are low-level 
couriers and such, whereas only 11% are true drug kingpins or major 
traffickers--the folks the law was intended for.
I lost count of all the Brock Vond prosecutors who coerce confessions to 
make even more convictions even when they know the person is lying.  Not 
to mention The so-called 'conspiracy' edict where one is majorally 
screwed for being involved any which way with the drug trade.
Of course, there was Orrin Hatch and other lawmakers standing in front 
of Old Glory condemning "pushers" and the draconian laws--shows how hep 
that cat is.

Rich Romeo


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