Tara shouldn't be given a second chance, She should go to prison

[Joanne98]

Ms USA tested postive for cocaine.. The US prison system is full of pretty young ladies, most of them with children, who are treated with NO MERCY by the courts or anybody else.

As somebody who is against the "war on drugs" and the "prison industrial complex", it's disturbing to see the cruel and inhumane punishment of the MANY get turned into a reality show by the human maggot, Donald Trump.

Millions of young people get NO MERCY in this country and MS USA shouldn't get any either. Throw her behing bars, throw anyway the key, and let her do good works to the millions who suffer in the US police state!

[NYCGirl]

1. What should she be charged with? Possession? Dealing? NT

[Joanne98]

2. She tested possive for cocaine, under the influence....

Which in NY are harsh.

[NYCGirl]

30. How much did she have in her possession?

You can't be arrested just for failing a drug test, unless you're on parole.

Edited for clarity

[Occulus]

78. You can in MI

We just passed a law recently. You get to get tested for pot now as well as alcohol. Counts as a DUI, even if you smoked the pot two nights ago.

Neat, huh? You no longer have to BE high.... you only have to HAVE BEEN HIGH. So, at least in MI, you CAN be arrested just for failing a drug test..... AND lose your license, AND get a DUI, all at once.

I want to throw something.

[ShaneGR]

86. If you were arrested for DUI, which she was not...

So the argument is mute.

[GreenZoneLT]

73. Sorry, but you don't know what you're talking about

She was tested as part of the morality police investigation of her fitness to be a spokesho, not as part of a police investigation.

Drug tests cannot be used as a basis for prosecuting someone, unless they're on probation and one of the terms of the probation is remaining drug free. Testing positive for cocaine doesn't mean you're intoxicated; it shows up on a blood test long after you're no longer high.

Now, if she'd failed an alcohol DUI, they could charge her with that, but they'd have a hard time charging her with underage consumption of alcohol unless they could get a bartender to testify he served it to her and saw her drink it. You can't charge someone with possession without a) a sample of the stuff they supposedly possessed (not the byproducts after it's metabolized) and b) some evidence of WHERE they possessed it, as venue is essential to the court having jurisdiction.

I agree that the war on drugs is stupid, but most guys who get long jail terms for possession with intent are stupid, too; they're out slinging drugs on street corners, selling to strangers for McDonald's level wages in hopes of someday rising up the ladder to be a rich kingpin. They get caught and imprisoned in such large numbers because they're easy to catch and prosecute, and they generate a lot of complaints from neighbors (unlike discreet dealers who sell to middle-class kids in nightclub restrooms).

[H2O Man]

100. True.

Though I would note parole can have the same standards as probation.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

80. She wasn't tested by the police. It was internal and there is no legal

bearing at all.

[PsN2Wind]

3. Well I think she should be spanked

When I close my eyes I can see....................Never Mind!!

[GreenZoneLT]

75. Volunteer! Dibs!

And after a good spanking, the oral sex.

The oral sex! The oral sex!

[Generator]

4. Don't you think the

threesome she agreed to with the "Donald" to keep her crown is punishment enough? C'mon we are liberals, AND it's the season of goodwill, where is the compassion for beauty queens?

[Joanne98]

5. PRISONERS OF THE DRUG WAR!

Caridad Kelly #16410-018

I received a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence, and my husband is serving 20 years in a federal prison. Combined this adds up to a 30-year sentence that our son, Carlos and our family must serve. We are incarcerated for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute. Out entire case was based on the words of paid informants. We were never found in possession of any drugs, yet the government convicted us using testimony from snitches who were promised reduced sentences. My son is now 14 years old. I was taken away from him when he was 6 years old. My husband hasn't seen his children, including his four children from a previous marriage, since early 1995. I am about six months from release but I still have another ten years to go before my loving husband returns to us.

I will be actively involved in writing and campaigning to end this war on drugs, since I truly know what it feels like to be separated from our families due to the cruel drug sentences.

I thank you and admire the work that is being done in re-educating the public and getting them to support this cause. I applaud The November Coalition and the other fighting family members outside these walls.

http://www.november.org/thewall/cases/kelly-c/kelly-c.html

[JacksonWest]

99. She was released from Prison almost seven years ago.

http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/InmateFinderServlet?Transaction=NameSearch&needingMoreList=false&LastName=kelly&Middle=&FirstName=Caridad&Race=U&Sex=U&Age=&x=0&y=0

[SammyWinstonJack]

6. So what was Trump thinking giving her a second chance? I watched press conference on CNN.

I didn't get the feeling that she took any responsibility for her actions, rather I thought she was blaming others for false allegations. Typical behavior these days.

[Joanne98]

8. Donald Trump is using this whole thing as a PR move...

The Donald would sell his own mother to the Devil on TV if he thought he could make a profit off of it. He's a pig.

[SammyWinstonJack]

11. He's a pig. Well I agree with you there. And I thought it was pure PR, so agree there also.

It was a sickening display all around.

[Union Thug]

16. I agree. She should have told Trump to shove it up his *ss.

[On the Road]

41. In Reality, She Probably Told Trump to Shove it Up *Her* Ass

:smoke:

[Union Thug]

46. The system is so unfair! ;-)

[ecstatic]

9. Trump is an egomaniac, this was about him

Never about this young lady who appears to need serious help.

[SammyWinstonJack]

17. Shame on him for exploiting her addictions for his personal gain and for giving her false hope

and also for encouraging her too not take personal responsibility for her unacceptable behavior in light of her status as a role model.

[LiberalFighter]

72. Where was the chaperone?

Don't they have someone supervise the winner?

[qanda]

74. I couldn't figure it out either until I saw who her replacement would be

I'm just saying

[Kingshakabobo]

85. He's grooming his next trophy wife.

"Oooooh "The" Donald, you are sooo rich AND compassionate. I can almost look past that weasel you wear on your head as a toupee."

[ecstatic]

7. I agree ONLY because poor, less fortunate souls go to jail for the same thing

So if they go, ms. prissy should go to, and have a FELONY put on her record. Meaning, no more voting! I hate Trump.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

48. Name One Person, Not On Probation, Who Has Gone To Jail For A Postive Drug Test Result,

without having any other implicating circumstances.

No, less fortunate souls DO NOT go to jail for the same thing, nor ever have.

[ecstatic]

49. OK, maybe, but they've certainly been fired for it?

Or denied employment?

:shrug:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

50. Did I Miss Where She Had Applied For Employment And Failed A Drug Test?

I think you're mistaken.

Furthermore, there are tons of people who would not be fired for a positive test alone, had they already been employed. Maybe some would, but it depends on the company. There are many companies that would request the employee seek treatment or whatever but would not fire them.

But regardless, neither of these apply anyway, so who gives a shit.

[ecstatic]

62. She wasn't fired from her position of Miss USA

And that is what I took issue with. We basically have a crackhead representing young women of America now. :sarcasm:

I admit, part of it is fake outrage but its based on real irritation towards our current justice system.

And are there really companies that keep cocaine addicted employees on the payrolls? Enron? Arthur Anderson? Worldcom? :rofl:

[Higans]

65. The U.S.A. keeps a Cocaine Addict on the payroll. His name is Bush.

[ecstatic]

68. LOL... then I guess it is fitting for Tara to keep her crown then

It's the American way!!1 :rofl:

[mondo joe]

81. Then you have confused the justice system with private employment.

No need to be angry with others for your misunderstanding.

[AspenRose]

10. Pretty white blond lady gets a second chance.

Vanessa Williams (who really didn't do anything illegal) had to bow to pressure to give up her crown (albeit near the end).

Who's surprised, here? I mean really....

[Horse with no Name]

38. BUT in the end

The magnificently beautiful and talented Miss Williams did better for herself in light of the attempted public humiliation bestowed upon her by the White establishment than this girl will ever do.
They never should have taken her crown--I totally agree...but talent shines through.
By the way...I LOVE Vanessa. I think that the fact that she recovered so well from her indiscretion spoke volumes to young women--even more so than being Miss America ever could.
THAT was the year I quit watching the pageant.

[Joanne98]

12. PRISONERS OF THE DRUG WAR

Lora Howard

#04739-025

To Whom It May Concern:

I am a 27 year old single mother of 4 children. I have been in custody since Oct 1, 1999. My children are having a hard time dealing with me being away. It has come to the point of self-mutilation. I would like to do anything possible so other children do not have to go through what my children are going through.

Thank you in advance
Lora Howard

[cwydro]

95. you know, I think the war on drugs is a joke

but it is hard to feel sympathy for someone who uses illegal drugs when they have children depending on them.

[cool user name]

13. I'm glad she got a second chance.

That whole pageant thing is stupid.

Let people do what the fuck they want.

And protesting this nation's drug laws by sending another person that has used cocaine is kind of silly.

[Joanne98]

14. PRISONERS OF THE DRUG WAR

Dear Judge,

Santa Claus is coming to town.

Holidays bring a lot of memories and song to my mind. I remember family gatherings, the family Christmas tree, preparations for New Years and most of all - the laughter, the hugs and kisses - my loved ones. Every year I pray this Christmas I will be going home, to fill the emptiness that my family has endured the last seven years.

My name is Maria Herrera. I am 26 years old now, serving a ten-year cocaine conspiracy charge. I wanted to write my story and hopes that it will reach my judge - and the youngsters out there who are confused and don't know where to go in life.

I was twenty when I was arrested, and unfamiliar with law. If I would have known that 10 years of my life would be taken, I wouldn't have become involved. When you are young you want the world, and don't give much thought to circumstances. We think that we will get away with it.

The easy way will only get you far for a little while, don't give the Feds your life and hurt your loved ones for years and years. The way our drug laws work - you will get more time than a murderer or rapist.

My sister, who is holding my niece in this picture, suffers from Lupus, a disease that is robbing her life. She has had it for five years and now is on dialysis machines three times a week. I recently found out that I am a compatible donor for my sister, meaning that I could be a kidney donor for her, and she could have a longer life, but I have lost every appeal so I am unable to help her.

I know that disasters and tragedies always happen in life, but I would think that the government would have some compassion in saving a life. I have done 6 1/2 more years than half my time, and I just cannot understand why they won't look further into this and see that I just want to save my sister's life. It's not about having my freedom any more.

I pray every night that my sister will hang on until I make it home, so we may spend another Christmas as a family again.

http://www.november.org/thewall/cases/herrera-m/herrera-m.html

Look at them. I dare you. Read the stories on the wall and see if you have any sympathy for the spoiled Ms USA!

[Union Thug]

15. It made me sick to see this woman humiliating herself at the feet of

that asshole Donald Trump. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Forgive me, milord..

She should have told that moist-assed, elitist piece of shit to shove it, and then broken the crown/tiara over his head.

[Joanne98]

18. Please read THE WALL, it will change your life....

THE DRUG WAR IS NOTHING BUT EVIL!

Ms USA must be punished because if she isn't all these people will be left to rot....


Sentenced to 13 years in June, 2000 for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine

I'm an inmate at FPC Pekin, Illinois. I'm a 40-year-old mother of three children, ages 18, 8 and 4. I was convicted of conspiracy of 100 grams of meth. I thought I pled to 5 years. The day before sentencing, my lawyer told me that I was to be sentenced to 13 years. I'm a first-time offender.

The sentencing guidelines are unbelievable. I take responsibility for my actions. I'm not only being punished, so are my family and children. Why must the sentencing guidelines and the government allow this all to happen?

A friend shared The November Coalition with me. Thanks for all of the reading. It's very interesting and hopefully some good news will happen for all of the prisoners of the drug war.

Connie Popejoy 12171-030
FPC Pekin
PO Box 6000
Pekin, IL 61555-6000

http://www.november.org/thewall/cases/popejoy-c/popejoy-c.html

[everythingsxen]

19. So much hate on DU anymore..

I find it humorous that for many years here, I was the one full of hate, flipping out but yet as DU has become more like how I was, I have become more forgiving and compassionate... ah well, I digress.

At any rate, she failed a drug test. Failing a drug test is not in and of itself illegal. Further, under federal law the drug test results cannot be used as a basis for prosecution against her.

[Joanne98]

25. Too bad.

[Union Thug]

28. I hate. there's nothing wrong with that. A lot of people deserve to be hated

and despised.

[LittleClarkie]

29. Thank you for that demonstration.

Who made you judge, anyway?

[SammyWinstonJack]

34. I don't think she should be thrown in jail, but I don't think she should have kept her title.

And if you had watch that bullshit press conference, you would have seen that she wasn't really sorry but rather was blaming those who waged false allegations against her(her and Trump's words). It was a sickening display and Trump egged her on for apparently PR purposes.

[everythingsxen]

70. Be that as it may..

I was simply pointing out that failing a drug test is not a crime, nor can it be used as evidence against someone. (Without their consent to it being used as evidence against them at any rate)

I was also pointing out how much hate there is on DU anymore. It is virtually mindless, unreasoning hatred. The same sort of hate that we DUers are supposed to look at and say "Hey look at how hate-filled those freepers (etc.) are; glad we are better than them." It's just sad to me I suppose.

[NoAmericanTaliban]

20. Probably the best thing that happen to her - look at

all the publicity she is getting. Most people probably haven't heard of her before this - I know I didn't. Didn't see anything about cocaine but CNN did mention under age drinking. If she wasn't pretty, Trump would have fired her by now. He is not a big believer in the drug wars. Everyone in jail for drugs should be released & be replaced by crooked politicians and war profiteers.

[Joanne98]

21. Another prisoner..........

19 1/2 years sentence for conspiracy
with the intent to distribute and possession
of crack cocaine

I was 23 years old when I was indicted along with a majority of my family members in a crack cocaine conspiracy. The government contention was for me to plead guilty and testify against my family I would receive only 30 years. Being innocent of these charges I went to trial. My jury found me guilty of only two counts of the indictment and I received the lowest sentence dealt out in this case, 19 1/2 years.

What was not taken into account, is I was a single parent. My son's father was killed in a motorcycle accident when I was four months pregnant.

I was attending junior college studying to become a medical assistant while working full time as a receptionist at a hair studio. Due to financial reasons, I had just moved into my parents' home six months before my indictment. I had no drug use history, in fact the government's key witness testified that I had no knowledge of any aspect of this case. No drugs were ever found in my possession or my living area of the residence. The only drugs ever found were buried in the back yard, and I did not know.

Above all this has stripped my son of the only parent he ever knew. According to his teachers is experiencing behavioral and social problems and is now being treated with Ritalin.

http://www.november.org/thewall/cases/gordon-a/gordon-a.html

[Union Thug]

24. Thanks for posting these.....

I *HATE* (yes, I do hate, and for good reason) the advocates of the drug war. It would be hypocritical for me to say I think Miss Pretty Girl should be locked away. On the contrary, the victims of the drug war should be released.

If Miss Pretty Girl had any sense, she would have said, "Mr. Trump, it's none of your fucking business what I do with my body." and threw the tiara in the toilet.

[Joanne98]

26. Thank you for caring about the millions of people locked

behind this countries bars....

[Union Thug]

39. Don't thank me, I'm one of the lucky ones...

I like to get high. I make no bones about it, and luckily, I haven't been popped (so far).

As an aging pothead, I have many brothers and sisters who have become victims of the drug war over the years, either in terms of prison or being unfairly fired from their jobs. The sooner the drug warriors are dead and buried, the happier I'll be.

[EdwardM]

22. So we really need our prisons filled up with even more non violent drug offenders?

[michreject]

71. non violent drug offenders?

I don't know where you live, but here in Detroit, and I imagine all large cities, these non violent drug offenders are responsible for a LARGE portion of the killings with their turf wars.

I would hate to see these people become violent.:sarcasm:

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

82. And, of course, everybody who does drugs participates in such killings. Right. -nt

[michreject]

83. One way or another

Maybe not directly, but gang wars over drugs are getting people killed. You think that because you didn't pull the trigger that you have no fault in the deaths caused by drug deals? Somebody, somewhere died getting the drugs to the corner that somebody, somewhere died in a gang war to protect.

The drug war is a dismal failure.

[EdwardM]

90. Not True.

Then you are responsible for the repression of Middle Eastern Women when you buy gas. You are also responsible for the exploitation of third world workers anytime you buy one of their products. And don't tell you have never bought one of those products, because everyone has. Please, lets attack the person responsible for the violence, and not play some Kevin Bacon game.

[michreject]

97. Except this carnage

is in the streets of America. A lot of innocent people are getting killed.

What's the drug wars like in the middle east?

[EdwardM]

89. Did Tara kill anyone?

I don't remember hearing about that. So until she kills someone, she is still a non violent drug offender, and so is everyone else in prison who got caught using drugs but didn't assault anyone.

[Joanne98]

23. She delivered her baby with her legs shackled.....

Sentenced to 28 years in September, 1998 for conspiracy to manufacture and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine

My name is Beth Cronan. I am 41 years old and a mother of three. I am currently serving a 28-year sentence for a drug conspiracy. I am a first-time offender.

I was raised in a wonderful home with parents who loved me. I was the only child in a middleclass family. I was always safe and protected. I was full of trust. I believed in our country, in justice and the American Dream. My story is a tragedy of a life destroyed and hope shattered.

After graduating from high school I went to work in my father's business as a dental technician. I became pregnant and was a single mother for several years. I then met a man, married him and relocated to Florida. We had a son together, bought a home and were a typical family for many years. Neither of us were ever in trouble with the law. We were active in the community, our neighborhood and with our children. When our marriage ended, the bottom fell out from under me. I was lost. I finally sought help and was treated for clinical depression, but I still felt empty.

About eight months later I met a man. At the time, I didn't know that he used drugs. A few months into our relationship he introduced me to crystal meth. All of a sudden I had tons of energy, lost a few pounds and there were so many extra hours in the day. Within a few months I was hopelessly addicted.

My life quickly began to fall apart. It wasn't long before I lost my job. I couldn't get up for work because I'd only gone to sleep an hour before the alarm went off. I no longer did any of the things I enjoyed. I neglected my children, never opened a book, my house was a mess and my bills were piling up. I no longer saw my old friends. They knew something was wrong with me but I didn't want to hear what they had to say.

I was introduced to new friends who lived a life of drugs; a whole crowd of people who never slept and never accomplished anything. They spent a lot time laughing at me and my naivete of their life. I wanted them to like and accept me, although now I can't imagine why. I became aware that they were manufacturing their own low-grade methamphetamine. I watched and I learned. I was in way over my head. Within months the man I was seeing had lost interest in me and moved on to the next woman. I also found out that a few of these people had been arrested and the entire crowd was being investigated by the D.E.A. I sent my sons to live with my ex-husband, abandoned my home and left for Florida with a new friend to live the life of a fugitive. At the time I hadn't even been indicted. Fear, ignorance and addiction were my motivation.

I traveled from one person's house to another, trading speed for a roof over my head. From day to day I lived a life of drugs. Within months I was arrested along with three others in an abandoned house. I was an outsider of this local crowd. I had no criminal experience and not knowing the ropes or the deals to be made through cooperation, I didn't fare as well as my co-defendants. Although they all had lengthy criminal histories, and even though I was the first to plead guilty, I received more than four times the sentence as any of them. Due to their testimony against me, I went from being a somewhat pathetic drug addict to the leader of the "conspiracy." I was labeled a "master cook" with the capability of producing one to three kilos of "Ice" (a high-grade, pure methamphetamine). I have never even seen "Ice," much less know how it is produced. According to the testimony of my co-defendants, I was solely responsible for their ultimate decline.

At my attorney's advice, I pled guilty. He believed that I would receive three to five years. The government attempted to give me life. I received 28 years instead. If I serve my complete sentence, I will be released at the age of 64. I am destitute. I own nothing.

In the past years that I have been incarcerated I have done a lot of soul searching. I have looked at what led me to the extremely poor choices that I made. I have taken advantage of the very limited programs available on the inside to enrich my life and I have become a very spiritual person. I have also renewed my family ties. I am working as a dental technician in the prison. I am trying to overcome the shame and guilt for the damage I have inflicted on my family. And I've made a lot of progress. I would never repeat my mistakes if I were given another chance to prove myself.

I delivered my daughter alone with my leg shackled to a hospital bed and I have missed every day of her life. My sons are almost grown now. In here you cling to any thread of hope - any rumor of a change in the mandatory sentencing, which you know is simply that, a rumor. You wait on justice and you wait on God. You just continue to fight the good fight and know that you are not alone.

Editor's note
At the time of this publication (January 2002), the caretakers of Beth's daughter are trying to terminate her parental rights. Beth's daughter is 2 years old.

Beth Cronan 04359-017
FMC Carswell
PO Box 27137
Fort Worth, TX 76127

http://www.november.org/thewall/cases/cronan-b/cronan-b.html

[rodeodance]

27. Treatment is more humane--I only wish all who needed it were able to

recieve it---vs ruining lives by going to jail

[Horse with no Name]

31. I had to sit in on some court proceedings for a case I was working with

and saw an 18-year old get 6 months in jail for possession of a small amount of marijuana.
That being said--I believe that Miss USA shouldn't go to jail just as much as I believed the above mentioned 18-year shouldn't go to jail.
The War on Drugs is bogus.
THAT is what we need to do away with--not punish those that we see "get away with it".

[Joanne98]

36. You're right. She shouldn't go to jail, The Donald should.....

[SeattleGirl]

32. The inequality of our "justice" system is horrible.

I am against imprisoning people because they use drugs. It's a useless "punishment", and really does nothing positive for a person who may be hooked on a particular drug. But what I'm even more against is the unfairness of a system that punishes some people, but not others, for doing the same freakin' thing.

[KamaAina]

33. Testing positive for cocaine is NOT a crime

unless she was on probation, in which case her pee turning purple would violate the probation, but she wasn't, so what's the point?

Coming down harder on her than on Jane Average just because she's pretty and knows The Donald makes just as little sense as the Draconian sentences foisted upon all the poor souls mentioned upthread.

It does, however, seem as though Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie et al. have a new pledge for their odious little "sorority"...

[tammywammy]

37. You said it better than I could

I think the second chance is what a lot of people in prison for drugs needed. A chance to clean up and move on, not prison.

[SeattleGirl]

43. Agreed, tammy

Onoe of my siblings got mixed up in some nasty drugs some years ago. He did have to spend time in jail, because of some of his actions which WERE illegal, but ultimately, the judge accepted the recommendations our family made: financial restitution, community service, AND treatment. My brother is clean, sober, and doing very well in his life right now. Had the judge kept him him jail I don't know that the outcome would have been the same.

[High Plains]

40. It is in at least one state, South Dakota

It's known as the "internal possession" law. Also called "unlawful consumption of a controlled substance other than alcohol."

I know one guy doing five years because he tested positive for meth.

[SeattleGirl]

53. "Internal possession"???

Oy. Guess I shouldn't be surprised, though, given that it's South Dakota. The state government must think there's no "real" crime there, so they have to make UP things to arrest people for.

[Joanne98]

55. Tell him to write November Colition. Tell may post his story.

Tell him Mery Christmas...

[Joanne98]

35. This woman is my favorite.. Meet Kim Flowers.....

Kim Flowers
#07140-112

January 10, 1998
Dublin Federal Prison Camp, CA

Dear November Coalition:

I'm a P.O.W. I've just heard of you and your cause. Jesus said: "Give honor to whom honor is due." I give all honor to what you are doing for us P.O.W.s and our families.

I'm writing you briefly about something Jesus said over two thousand years ago that still applies today. I and my family included will join you in your quest, and I will soon be sending you my story of how and why I'm serving a 41 month (3 years 5 months) sentence, and my husband Michael Flowers is serving a 151 months (almost 13 years) sentence.

Jesus was speaking to the Scribes and Pharisees -the lawmakers of that generation. You can very well see that He is also speaking to the lawmakers of our generation. Jesus was talking about our President, Congress, the Government, U.S. Attorneys, and all Lawmakers and Enforcers.

Jesus said:

"WOE TO YOU, LAWMAKERS AND HYPOCRITES! FOR YOU ARE LIKE WHITE-WASHED TOMBS WHICH INDEED APPEAR BEAUTIFUL OUTWARDLY, BUT INSIDE ARE FULL OF DEAD MEN'S BONES, AND ALL KINDS OF FILTH. EVEN SO YOU APPEAR RIGHTEOUS TO MEN, BUT INSIDE YOU ARE FULL OF HYPOCRISY AND LAWLESSNESS." -- Matthew 23, verses 27 & 28.

Keep up the good work.

Sincerely, Kim Flowers
http://www.november.org/thewall/cases/flowers-k/flowers-k.html

Woe on to you indeed.

[Joanne98]

42. I blame the conservatives for this sick system.

And they are going to pay for it too.

Lillian Lee

#05198-032



Dear Judge,

It has now been over three years since you sentenced me to my time, and there are almost five more years to go before I am free. Despite the facts that I had no prior record and that I was sentenced to only three years in the state system, the federal system and you, deemed that it was necessary to incarcerate me to a term of nine years. That is a difference of six years and for a first offense, too. If I were serving state time, I would already be back at home putting my life together.

Out there in the real world I have a beautiful son who is now eight years old. In these past years I have had the blessed opportunity of visiting with him only twice; being that I am halfway across the country from him and have been denied a transfer to a prison closer to my home. So, here I sit in the anguish that only a mother separated from her child can fully understand, with yet another Christmas to endure.

Last year as with the years before, I sent him my little handmade gifts from prison. They were all made with the greatest care, all the hours of work evident. Each stitch or stroke carrying the love I have for him. It never fails, the nagging thought sets in, "Will he even smile when he receives this?" How does my gift compare to a boy's dream of BMX bikes or the newest Sega games? Each year I call home and listen to his ecstatic and joyous voice as he tells me all about the fantastic things he got for Christmas. He thanks me for the gift I send, but I choke back tears even so.

This year I fear that this Christmas will be the worst one yet. Thankfully, my son is being raised in a Christian home and being brought up by my mother. He is a very spiritual boy who prays each day and looks forward to church and bible class. He is everything a mother wishes for her child to be. Not long ago, my son told me that he has prayed for and has faith that God will bring me home for Christmas this year. He says that God can do anything.

Now, how do I explain to my child that his prayers don't matter and his faith doesn't count because I will still be spending my Christmas over 1,500 miles away, behind bars? I have tried to explain that this is my "discipline from God," but he is determined to move this mountain - with his faith and his prayers. This Christmas will be spent in lonely solitude with heart-breaking pain, knowing that my son's pure and perfect child-like faith is to be shattered by the injustices of this system.

Your Honor, in my case, no one was murdered or injured, yet I am serving more time for a first offense than most murderers, rapists and child abusers serve. Not only do I suffer, but my innocent son does too. There are over a million children in the same situation, and hundreds of thousands of parents. We made a very poor choice, yet are sentenced as hard-core, vicious criminals. Our children are being hurt, becoming full of anger and resentment. At the present rate of incarcerations, there are going to be countless embittered children.

Most of us were good, loving mothers and are absolutely no threat to society. With all the ramifications of this, which are too many to list here, what is being taught to this upcoming generation who will be our next leaders? A generation of anger and resentment is being bred, unlike any other preceding-the outcome of which I dread to see.

Your honor, knowing that you are a man who is in a position to uphold justice in this country, I urge you to work toward a system that won't produce a detrimental effect on society. There is a complete breakdown of the family, as we all well know, the basis of all else. I beseech you to help save our children.

Merry Christmas - Lillian Lee

http://www.november.org/thewall/cases/lee-l/lee-l.html

[Union Thug]

44. Again, I won't be happy until every one of the drug warriors is rotting in the earth...

These stories make me sick.

[Joanne98]

58. Thank you for caring.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

45. Pretty Ridiculous Concept.

She also cannot be arrested for this. Nor if she could've been, should she have deserved imprisonment.

I'm not sure why you are so bitter towards our Ms USA and I found the entire premise of your OP to be quite silly.

[Joanne98]

54. I'm just rying to be FAIR! Maybe you should read The Wall...

She should get what everybody else gets. NO MERCY!

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

56. If That's What You're Trying For, You've Completely Missed The Mark.

Maybe you should stop trying to be 'fair' and try something else instead. The former concept wasn't working out too well.

And furthermore, you keep claiming that's what everybody else gets even though you are completely 100% in error with that declaration. Totally 100% false.

I'll repeat as above thread: Name one person that has EVER been put in prison, who wasn't already on probation, for getting a positive hit on a pop drug test without any other incriminating circumstances (such as driving erratically etc).

You won't be able to. It doesn't happen. Not for anybody, ever. I don't know why you keep repeating that ridiculousness. The premise is quite silly.

[mondo joe]

76. FAIR would mean the same penalty for the same crime.

But you haven't identified anyone who has gone to jail for JUST a positive test.

[Joanne98]

47. Care about this problem?

http://www.november.org/join.html

These are the people that really make a difference. Please think about the POW's of the drug war this Christmas.

[tyedyeto]

51. Even where I work has pre-employment drug testing...

and that is for a small business. I may not agree with this but for something so national..... why not?

[Joanne98]

52. It's about he punishment. 20 years for some young people and

NOTHING for her. It's an outrage.

[tyedyeto]

61. Because she has Trump behind her?

I listened to the press conference this morning..... and thought ...
what does that title stand for?

To me, it stands for being able to speak before ANY public audience with poise and dignity.

That was not apparent during the 'press conference' today.

[mondo joe]

79. Who got 20 years for just a positive drug test?

Please tell.

[Union Thug]

60. Because employers should not have the right to dictate one's private life.

So long as one is doing their job, that should be good enough.

[tyedyeto]

63. Yes!

What one does on one's own time should have nothing to do with what one does at work.

[Clark2008]

57. Who?

:shrug:

I thought beauty contests were reserved for presidential races now.

[Lilith Velkor]

59. So the war on drugs suits you just fine as long as someone you don't like gets hurt?

How fucking lovely. :puke:

[ecstatic]

64. I think its more a wariness of people like Bush, Cheney, etc.

getting away with crimes that other people have to pay dearly for.

[Lilith Velkor]

69. Did the beauty pageant winner commit war crimes?

I must have missed that headline.

[mondo joe]

77. Who else had to go to prison for just a positive test?

Where is that a crime?

[cobalt1999]

66. wow, you're showing some bitterness.

I don't know you, but let me go out on a limb here and guess you have a spouse/child/parent in prison for drug charges. That is the only explanation I can come up with for your venom, unless this girl slept with your SO.

Is the war on drugs a waste of money and lives? IMHO, yes. However, this "throw away the key" attitude for Ms USA and release everyone else isn't logical, so IMHO you must be emotionally involved in this somehow.

[Bluebear]

67. Lost Miss Magnolia Queen 1974, did you?

;)

[DemocratSinceBirth]

84. I Don't Think You Can Go To Prison For Failing A Drug Test

That strikes me as a totalitarian solution.

[noonwitch]

87. I could care less about anything to do with any beauty pageant

Who really thinks that these girls are anyone's role models? I never thought Miss America/Miss USA was someone I wanted to be, when I was a kid.

Gloria Steinem was more of a role model for me, or MTM's Mary Richards character. Smart, independent women with good jobs who were also pretty.

[regularguy]

88. So you're not for the "war on drugs" so much as

arbitrary punishment of people you don't like. Imagine how good you would feel if she was give life or maybe executed!

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

91. Is this from some dumb reality show?

"Ms USA tested postive for cocaine.. "

Did they forget to test for heroin, meth, and various emetics?

"As somebody who is against the "war on drugs" and the "prison industrial complex", it's disturbing to see the cruel and inhumane punishment of the MANY get turned into a reality show by the human maggot, Donald Trump."

Trump, shit, just imagine how much coke that guy snorted in the 80's.

"As somebody who is against the "war on drugs" and the "prison industrial complex""

"Throw her behing bars, throw anyway the key, and let her do good works to the millions who suffer in the US police state!"

I'm having trouble reconciling those two statements.

[Lex]

93. It's a big dumb publicity stunt and I'm appalled anyone gives a rat's

ass about any of it. Or her. Or "the Donald."

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

94. Well, that's pop TV for you.

[Marie26]

92. What a Freeper-esque post. nt

[Lipton64]

96. Well, when you're a pretty blonde nothing seems to matter, right??.....

And then again she probably banged Donald Trump so he put in a good word for her to get her off the hook.

[Quantess]

98. Hey! No blanket statements about pretty blondes.

Pretty young blondes are individuals. Don't paint anyone with a broad brush!

But yeah, she probably did bang Donald Trump.

[Bluebear]

101. I just want to thank Donald for giving her a second chance. Waaah

:eyes: