A Senate Bill to End Cocaine Sentencing Disparity

babylonsister

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Thu Oct-15-09 06:11 PM
Original message

A Senate Bill to End Cocaine Sentencing Disparity

http://washingtonindependent.com/63986/a-senate-bill-to-end-cocaine-sentencing-disparity

A Senate Bill to End Cocaine Sentencing Disparity
By Mike Lillis 10/15/09 1:44 PM

A group of 10 Democratic senators today reintroduced legislation designed to end the sentencing disparity between powder and crack cocaine — a long-standing push that never quite seems to get enacted.

In a statement, the lawmakers cite the reasoning behind the proposal.

Under current law, possession of five grams of crack cocaine (roughly the weight of two sugar cubes) triggers a mandatory minimum five-year prison sentence, while trafficking 500 grams (approximately one pound) of powder cocaine triggers the same sentence. The so-called 100:1 sentencing disparity has been in place since 1986. The Fair Sentencing Act would eliminate the disparity, treating crack and powder cocaine equally.

Sen. Richard Durbin (Ill.), the upper chamber’s second-ranking Democrat, said passage of the bill is long overdue.

The sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine has contributed to the imprisonment of African Americans at six times the rate of whites and to the United States’ position as the world’s leader in incarcerations. Congress has talked about addressing this injustice for long enough; it’s time for us to act.

Other sponsors of the bill include Democratic Sens. Patrick Leahy (Vt.), Arlen Specter (Pa.), Chris Dodd (Conn.), John Kerry (Mass.), Al Franken (Minn.), Ted Kaufman (Del.), Russ Feingold (Wis.), Ben Cardin (Md.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (R.I.).

In July, the House Judiciary Committee advanced a similar bill, sponsored by Rep. Robert Scott (D-Va.).

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blm

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Thu Oct-15-09 06:24 PM
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1. Finally. I remember Kerry speaking of this almost 20 yrs ago, and hardly any Dems would

Edited on Thu Oct-15-09 06:25 PM by blm

support his position, let alone sponsor legislation.

I am really happy to see this. Thanks Dems.

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SeattleGirl

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Thu Oct-15-09 06:25 PM
Response to Original message

2. Good. I'm glad this is comig up again.

Now, I hope they PASS it.

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surrealAmerican

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Thu Oct-15-09 07:07 PM
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3. It's a step in the right direction.

It would be better to do away with "mandatory minimum" sentencing for possession entirely.

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babylonsister

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Thu Oct-15-09 08:26 PM
Response to Reply #3

4. Nothing happens in leaps and bounds; you're right, it's a step in

the right direction, and I hope it passes.

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Leftist Agitator

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Thu Oct-15-09 10:44 PM
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5. How about we quit putting people in jail for cocaine possession?

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Flaneur

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Thu Oct-15-09 10:49 PM
Response to Reply #5

6. Absolutely, but in the meantime...

getting rid of that horrendous, racist crack/powder sentencing disparity is a tiny first step.

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Leftist Agitator

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Thu Oct-15-09 11:19 PM
Response to Reply #6

7. I wholeheartedly agree.

Why drug use is seen as a moral/legal issue instead of the medical issue that it so clearly is is beyond me.

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alp227

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Fri Oct-16-09 12:38 AM
Response to Reply #7

8. I thought cocaine/narx contributed to violent crime didn't it?

Although I support legalizing weed I still think that crack should be kept off the streets. It's the major contributor to the "street culture" and gang violence isn't it? But kudos to Sen. Durbin for eliminating a silly double standard in law that the Washington Post said: "has frustrated judges, civil rights advocates and drug reform proponents for more than two decades."

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Leftist Agitator

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Fri Oct-16-09 12:47 AM
Response to Reply #8

9. "It's the major contributor to the "street culture" and gang violence isn't it?"

Yes, but that's only because it is illegal.

Do gangs rake in millions selling alcohol these days?

No.

Did they during Prohibition?

Yes.

Ergo, legalize the possession and consumption of cocaine, and the argument that the drug itself is inherently harmful due to its promotion of gang violence becomes a ridiculous proposition.

There is no legitimate reason to criminalize any intoxicant, ever. ANY intoxicant. EVER.

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alp227

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Fri Oct-16-09 02:50 PM
Response to Reply #9

10. I see what you mean economically, but what about health?

So are you willing to have a lighter legal oversight and have more crackheads walking around everywhere?

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