Pubdate: Sun, 11 Jul 2004 Source: Anniston Star (AL) Copyright: 2004 Consolidated Publishing Contact: http://www.annistonstar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/923 Author: Loretta Nall Related: Alabama Senator's Son Caught At Airport With Hashish http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v98/n625/a11.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) APPLY LAWS EQUALLY I read with interest the case of Sen. Richard Shelby's son, who was found in possession of 13.8 grams of hashish after flying into Atlanta from London in 1998. Claude Shelby was released from federal custody after being fined $500 and turned over to the county. He never served any jail time. Shelby's stance on drug use and possession is, "Drug abuse and drug-related crimes are among the greatest ills that plague our nation. We must take a strong stand against drugs, and I support strict punishment for individuals involved in the possession or distribution of illegal drugs. While I understand your concerns about mandatory penalties for nonviolent offenders, I believe that our nation's drug problem is serious enough to warrant harsh sentences." I implore the citizens of Alabama to ask Shelby why he and his family are immune to the laws by which they govern the rest of us. He should tell us why we should vote for him this election if he does not even hold the power of his own convictions when it comes to his kids and their crimes. Apply the laws equally or not at all. Loretta Nall President of Alabama Marijuana Party and U.S. Marijuana Party Alexander City - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake