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Sentence no good for either side

Re: Man gets 30 years for fatal accident , Sept. 17 Times:

After reading the article in your paper about the William Thornton case, I feel compelled to voice my concerns about Judge Ric Howard's sentence.

I would ask: Does not the Eighth Amendment to our great U.S. Constitution state that cruel and unusual punishments will not be inflicted? Yes, Thornton may be guilty and, yes, he must face the consequences of his actions. But 30 years for a sad mistake?

I seem to remember from high school civics that a judge's job is to administer justice. One would wonder exactly why the judge felt it necessary to state that he had sentenced Thornton's father. If this was not an indication of prejudice, Judge Howard should explain his reason for feeling it necessary to mention that fact. Is it not part of a judge's oath to hold himself above allowing his personal beliefs or prejudices to influence his decisions?

So, this young man's life (and potential for being a positive example) is effectively ended if this sentence is upheld. To what good purpose? Establishing a reputation for toughness for Judge Howard? Does Judge Howard honestly think that the murderers and repeat offenders of deliberate crimes stop and think before they commit their crimes, "Oh, maybe I don't want to do this. I might come before Judge Howard for sentencing."?

I am not sure what any individual or layman can do to correct this injustice. But I would hope that for those who are already members of the legal and justice systems, such as lawyers, there might be at least one who would help this young man when his sentence comes up for appeal (pro bono) and ensure that real justice would prevail.

Come to Little Everglades Ranch to walk against breast cancer

Re: Runners lured by Little Everglades Ranch , Sept. 25 Times:

One sentence in the story about the cross country racing at Little Everglades says it all: "It is a very special place."

The American Cancer Society and its volunteers for "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" agree and are so thankful to the Blanchards and Karen Streaker for allowing us to hold the 5K walk there again this year. This will be the third year.

We won't have 5,000 runners but hope to have more than 500 walkers and once again honor our survivors.

The special walk is Oct 22; registration is at 8 a.m., and the walk begins at 9:30. There is no registration fee, and the money raised goes to help fight this disease, which will attack more than 200,000 women this year.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Put on your walking or running shoes and come out to that special place for this very special event.

For information on how to register for the event or to become a team leader, call Jean at 1-800-940-1969. ext 113.

[Last modified October 2, 2005, 01:57:16]