Pubdate: Thu, 5 Dec 2002 Source: Detroit Free Press (MI) Contact: 2002 Detroit Free Press Website: http://www.freep.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/125 Author: Wisetta Dolsey Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n2193/a06.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing) SECOND CHANCE All citizens of our state should pray that the Legislature enacts legislation initiated by state Rep. Bill McConico. The war on drugs became a war on the youth of our state. We must ensure that punishments fit the crime. Sentences spanning decades are unjust. At no time should a judge be unable to use his or her discretion in sentencing defendants. As the mother of a prisoner sentenced to almost 40 years, I feel my son deserves a second chance before he reaches 50. This legislation would give these young men and women an opportunity to have a second chance. Wisetta Dolsey Oak Park - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk