The rich can buy their way out of jail

For those who don't know, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth recently pleaded guilty to manslaughter while driving under the influence of alcohol and was sentenced to 30 days in jail for the car crash that killed a pedestrian in Miami Beach. He'll likely be able to play football in spite of being under house arrest (which permits one to "work") for the next two years. Part of his arrangement included a "confidential civil settlement" with the family of the 58-year-old dead man!

There is a young man in my family who is serving a minimum of four years in prison after being convicted of the DUI death of a friend. This also involved an accident, and this young man's recorded blood-alcohol level was actually lower than that of Mr. Stallworth.

What are we doing?! Why do we continue to be satisfied with this lopsided criminal justice system?

It is no surprise to anyone, I'm sure, that the rich guy will do 30 days in jail for causing a death. Michael Vick served more time for dog fights. Isn't it just as illegal to kill someone while driving under the influence?!

Think of all the poor young men and women who are serving time for basically being drug addicts! This is just disgusting!

JANIS MCDONALD
Herminie