20 Arrested Friday During Multi-Agency Drug Warrant Sweep-Update
Published by Joe Burgess February 4th, 2008 in Police /Legal.A coordinated effort of the Drew County Sheriff’s Dept. the 10th Judicial District Drug Task Force, and the Monticello Police Dept., launched a county-wide arrest warrant sweep of Drew County Friday morning.
There were a total of 20 arrests made in the sweep, which lasted for around 4 hours, and involved around 20 officers from the different agencies.
MonticelloLive.com will provide more details as they become available.
Names of those arrested and their charges include:
Daron Barnett Delivery of controlled substance, and possession of a firearm,
Leigh Ashley Courson Delivery of controlled substatnce,
Alfonso Cobb Possession of controlled substance,
Kim Herring Delivery of controlled substance / Failure to appear,
Antonio Daniels 2 counts Conspiracy to deliver,
Jerry Vincent Del. controlled sub.,
Richard King Conspiracy to deliver,
Herman Folk Delivery of cocaine,
Robert Strickland Del of controll substance,
Harvey Lawson Possession with intent to deliver,
Charles Dobbins Absconder-parole warrant,
Cory Clark Del. controlled substance,
Robert Stamps Del. controlled substance,
Richard McCray Del controlled substance,
Floyd Barnett Del controlled sub.,
Michael Webb Del. controlled sub./felon in possession of firearm,
Michael Carr Del. controlled sub.,
Schnell Preddy Del controlled sub.,
Fredrick Rayford Possession with intent to del.,
Cleo Hendrix Del. controlled sub.,
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Thank God!! I am so glad that we are getting Monticello/Drew County in better shape. What’s sad is that was 25 and there’s no telling how many more there are!!!
What is sad is the fact that most of these will make bail and then will only get probation or some kind of rehab that won’t do them any good. They tell of the 20 arrested but never follow up on the sentencing because that would make our judges look bad…
They aren’t going to stop no matter what you do and the prisons are crowded and no town wants a prison close to them so I guess I don’t have the answer either but it sure is aggravating!
To Dusty and Local Monticello Parent:
Putting non-violent offenders in jail is the worst thing we could do, that would only serve to make them more of a criminal than they already are. Jail or Prison is just another term for School of Criminals. Sending them to rehab for simple posession is the best alternative. Let’s try and help these people get back on their feet so that they too can live productive lives. Also, let’s start trying to get the MEDC to bring in real jobs that pay better so people won’t have to resort to selling drugs to make ends meet.
And to respond to your comment about judges looking bad. What makes them look bad is when they send a kid to jail for 3 years for simple posession (http://www.monticellolive.com/undrea-lamb-convicted-of-drug-possession/). Or 15 years for a drug dealer (http://www.monticellolive.com/monticello-man-sentenced-to-15-years-for-delivery-of-cocaine/). Then sentancing a registered sex offender as little as 1 year (http://www.monticellolive.com/registered-child-sex-offender-to-spend-1-6-years-in-prison/). That’s an outrage.
Fact: Did you know that it costs on average about $20,000 to keep an inmate incarcerated for a year?
Surely you are not implying you don’t deserve jail time if you are a drug dealer…. With many of those being habitual offenders…. give me a break.
Non violent criminals do not deserve a simple slap on the wrist, just because they didn’t commit murder or molest a child. Corrupting the youth in Monticello by selling them drugs is a huge issue, and you deserve more than a fine for that. I agree the costs are excessive. Maybe some of these meth lab chemists should have to absorb some of that cost by doing work release programs that require THEM to pay towards their own housing costs. Isn’t that an odd concept? To expect someone to pay their own way, and face the consequences for their bad decisions? That would be wrong to do that to the innocent dope pushers, wouldn’t it?
Rehab is an excellent choice for those that WANT to be there, but just because a judge ordered it doesn’t mean it will work. You have to WANT to change your ways.
This is a massive problem in Drew County, and I hope our elected officials and police force continue to work on eliminating as many as possible. There’s no clear answer on what it “best” and the most fitting long term solution. I think we should give the law enforcement officers and DTF the respect they deserve, and be glad we have them here, doing what the do, even if it is questionable when it comes to sentencing.
Shelley,
I never once made the point that drug dealers were not doing a bad thing by pushing drugs, just the fact that the system is broken. And I never said that they deserve a slap on the wrist. Or that the police are bad for what they do (and shame on you for inferring so). All I was saying was that it is an outrage that people go to jail for non-violent crimes (nobody was physically hurt), when you have people like Cody Walker who gets one year of probation for assault and battery as well as fleeing the police (yeah, he’s less of a threat). You do realize that after someone goes to jail, that goes on their criminal record. This means no employer will want to hire them EVER. And if they do get jobs, they will be the lowest paying jobs available and then we just get back into the same quagmire again. The number one solution to stem the sale of drugs, is to get better paying jobs in the community so that people wouldn’t have to resort to selling drugs to get money. You have to remember that we are all human, and capable of doing some messed up things. And that we are also capable of changing our behavior. I’m sure you all have done some things in the past that you aren’t that happy about. That’s part of life, we have to be given a chance to prove we can change.
On at least one point we agree Shelley. Prisons should be self sustainable. This means that the inmates work to keep the complex up and running. If inmates are used as labor to make an item that will later be sold in our stores, then the prison should make no profit from this action, only the base costs to cover the bills. I know there are many prisons profiting from the sale of inmate made goods, and that is modern day slavery. (google video search for “prison industrial complex”)
Also, why aren’t you people whining about alcohol abuse being that it kills 50,000 more people each year alone. And tobacco kills FIVE TIMES that many. Those are the true gateway drugs. Yet they remain legal for all these years, how does that make any sense.
How is it legal? Does it make sense? Sure it does. The government profits from the taxes and the healthcare industry profits from the sick. The tobacco companies give the money back in the form of settlements. Why do you think Philip Morris is now Altria? Its a sick thing to do, but its good for the economy. Had more things become socially acceptable, and had excise taxes, I am quite sure the alcohol and tobacco industries would not be alone.
The ADC Boot Camp is a program designed for non-violent offenders. Many of the inmates there are drug users. The program has fairly good success given approx 73% of these first time offenders do not return to prison.
Wade i agree with ya on the abuse of alcohol and tobacco. they are both the true gateway drugs. But is it your opinion that those offenses, dwi, etc. should get the same level of treatment a crack user gets in this utopian society you refer to? I do agree with some of your analysis however and commend you fot it.
But wait- Got to be kidding me about drugs being a non violent offense. Tell that to the child of the crack addict who has nothing but crackers and milk to eat when they are at home. To me, thats violent and cruelty at its best example.
Prisons that are self sustaining and profitable are compared to slavery? Maybe my history is wrong, but african slaves werent out selling crack and got sent to america. They were shackled and stuck in a boat and sent here. How bout lets make the prisons profitable and take that money and fund better rehab for inmates?
As far as costing 20k per year to house drug offenders, lets do some math….
Average crack user- 100.00 per day
multiply by 365; 36,500 yearly. Where is that money coming from? its coming from the thefts, forgeries and other criminal acts that they must engage in to support their habits. As i read some of the opinions, which i love doing, i think of one of my favorite quotes- ‘The best conservative is a liberal who has been mugged at gunpoint’. I just hope that those who think rehab is the cure for the crack or meth addict- or drunk for that matter, when confronted with them in the wal mart parking lot at 3 am as they try to get into YOUR car, can still hold that opinion…
Oh- and one more thing. Dusty you are right, they dont follow up on reporting on sentencing like they should but that isnt the judges fault alone. It is US- those that make up the JURY that control sentencing in jury trial cases. We as a community are failing in that area. Judges simply approve or disapprove sentences that are worked out between the prosecuting attorney and the defense.
Sure they caught this group of 20..but all of this will never be ended! No matter how hard we try to get it off the streets.. I mean.. it’s always gonna be there.. all we have to do as parents, the best we can to help our children understand that this is not the answer..it’s a bottomless pit for a loser! It’s the road to an “easy way out solution!” So.. we as citizens, should do our part to help rid the county of this disease and teach our children that there are better things to do with your life than to mess it up with drugs!!!
To quote an above reference to my post:
Shelley,
I never once made the point that drug dealers were not doing a bad thing by pushing drugs, just the fact that the system is broken. And I never said that they deserve a slap on the wrist. Or that the police are bad for what they do (and shame on you for inferring so).
_______________________________________________________
Shame on me for inferring that? I didn’t infer anything about your comments.
Never assume that I won’t say what I think on this forum, because as long as it is constructive and not an attack on someone, I will. I DO appreciate that you use your REAL name unlike a lot of people here.
I think anything less that jail tiime (even if it is a VERY short amount of jail time) is equal to a slap on the wrist. I am entitled to think that. I will be the LAST one to name drop here, but I am aware of plenty of people from my graduating class (1997) that have gone to “rehab” more times than I have been to the mall. Come on. That’s just a fact.
I know rehab CAN work. I just don’t think it’s the only answer, even if it is your first offense, because keep in mind, first time caught sure doesn’t mean first time OFFENDING, it means first time BUSTED.
Bottom line for me is, I don’t pretend to know how to end drug problems in Drew County. But I do know any policeman that is working to curb it, is looking out for my kids’ best interest, and that is what matters most to me, and always will.
I agree Nan. Although I believe child molesters are a lot worse. At least we do not have to worry about one molester do we.
Wase,
I agree with you 100%. These non-violent offenders that get sent to jail usually come out with a completely different mentality and capabilities. They go in as petty drug pusher and come willing to kill with no hope of ever holding down a real job or legitimate form of income. Sure they deserve punishment, but so much jail time for drugs? When, as you said, people get way less all the time for rape, child molestation, ect.? Come on, anyone who believes a drug dealer is just as bad as a child molestor is an idiot, and the judges who give these light sentences ought to be thrown out of office. I agree that you do have to WANT to change your ways, and many of the drug offenders and dealers don’t want to, but prison is not the answer.
PS- they better be glad i dont get to decide what happens to child molestors- because it would not be humane at all!
Thoughtful we live in a society where people want to through everyone in jail and not deal with the underline cause of this problem which is addiction. Jail is no place for non-violent criminals. If there is violence associated with the drug offence this person committed then yes they should go to jail. The sentencing for crack dealers are different from those of meth dealers and we all know why, RACISM. It is a shame that a person who deals crack or meth is getting more time in jail then someone who rapes their own sister and preys on other children in the community. I did not hear of any mass drug raids last year. WHY? It was not an election year. Focus on getting the child molesters off of the streets. Drug dealers are a problem, but it is going to take the community to rise up like they did in the 60’s and say enough.
Once again Lucas has his facts wrong. There were drug raids last year and numerous drug related arrests which had nothing to do with an election year. It would be nice if he’d get his facts correct in the future, before posting.
I couldn’t help but snicker at the last comment Lucas. The two issues you are referring to are equally important but not necessarily comparable. They would require different approaches as well! I honestly don’t think that you can put the mission to “focus on getting the child molesters off the streets” on our local law enforcement. Those are occurrences that are dealt with as they arise. They can’t make random stops…with probable cause…for child molesters!! They can however do so for drug violations. You can’t set a small child out on the street corner as bait and see who tries to take a bite! But you can go undercover and buy/sell drugs to catch a violator.
If your convictions are that strong then contact a local agency, get a computer, pretend to be a young girl and chat away!! Help organize and participate in your own bust! Good Grief…call 20/20! They might want to feature it! According to your calculations…you should wait until elections are over so that your goal doesn’t get misconstrued into a political stint. If you honestly think that our law enforcement agencies who ride the streets at night to keep YOU safe are doing so because of who is running for office then you are sadly mistaken. Hats off to them for doing what they do!!!
Just like Mr Macky says “Drugs are bad, mmkay.” He’s a student councilor on South Park. And how true it is. It is a shame to see a name I recognize from the list of people busted. I won’t say which one but they have been getting busted off and on since the mid-80’s. Surprised to see he is out and about, maybe not out but sure to be out. As much as most of you hate to hear this, perhaps legalizing these substances would be a smart idea. Seems to work just fine in Amsterdam. Drug use is down there. It’s like the saying, ” You want what you can’t have and don’t want what you can” Of course taxing the product in this country is a problem. I know some of you are screaming right now…But hey, that is my opinion which I am so entitled to. Maybe the next “sweep” will yield more arrests, cuz I hate meth and their dealers. Hopefully one day there will be a solution for the drug problem but until then we just deal with it as a society and move forward. (Where are all the “Walking Tall’s in the world when you need one?)
Drug use is down in amsterdam? my screen must be broken…AIDS is also on the rise as is hepatitis in amsterdam..we should be careful for what we wish for! The last thing I want is my children passing the toy aisle up for the crack pipe isle.
I want to respond to Gimmieabreak saying that Africian slaves weren’t sent over here to sell crack. Why the reference to Africa. Not all drug dealers are black. Yes, there is a drug problem in our town, but not just crack. We have meth, prescription drugs and E. But, the focus is not on those drugs, you know why? because alot of whites used and sell those drugs. If you are going to be so, so, disgusted with drugs in our community be discussed with all of the drugs. You can murdered someone and recieve less years than a convicted dealer. What Monticello need is more jobs. It has always been hard to find a job in this town, but now that the economy is so bad it extremely hard. Focus on how we can entice new business and industries to come to Monticello. They will create jobs, maybe some with benefits. For future references…… when you are trying to make a point, never use the words Africian or slaves, it’s very offensive.
Trottergirl please re-read my entire post as it mentions nothing negative about african americans nor does it state all drug dealers are black. In fact i deduct you are ASSUMING i am white from your post. What it refers to is an earlier post from another reader that states that inmates in prison being forced to work is equal to slavery. I think in your haste to judge or insinuate racism on my part, you overlooked that point of the post, which was to say that people who voluntarily sell drugs should not be compared to slaves who were forced into bondage. the drug dealers make their own decisions that may wind them up in a prison work program- slaves did not have a choice and to make a comparison between the two, in my opinion, takes away from the great sacrifices made by those who actually were slaves. Secondly, i think it would serve your argument better if you read the arrests that were made and the charges. Many of them were charged with selling prescription drugs and many of the people were white. I am disgusted with all drugs, but equally as disgusted with those who still subscribe to the theory that drug enforcement is somehow separated by race- ‘the cops dont do this to the whites’ or ‘the cops dont do this to the blacks’ is hogwash when it comes from either race and is simply an excuse, whichever race uses it. its not the blacks vs. the whites anymore- its more of the rich vs. poor in our world these days anyway. Now, as far as a convicted drug dealer getting more time than a murderer, i dont agree with that either. I agree with you there but i do see where a large scale drug dealer indirectly kills as many people and ruins more lives in some cases. And again, to reiterate my point so that it is clear- to compare an inmate who has to work a field while he is in prison for his own actions to the plight of someone forced into slavery, be it from africa or wherever, isnt fair. And for the record, africa was used as an example because it is the most recent important and relevant issue concerning slavery that has occurred in our country.
The word African is not offensive. Although I am certain that there are some African’s that might be offended by someone saying the word “African” is offensive. An African is someone from Africa. Also, slaves were not just people from Africa. People seem to forget that. Also, look up the word slavery. The word as defined by wikipedia means, a person deprived of personal freedom and compelled to work. The point made by Wade that “I know there are many prisons profiting from the sale of inmate made goods, and that is modern day slavery.” is merely making a point that these prisons are using the inmates to work and profit the prison. Then the point was misconstrued by gimmie a break who apparently thought the point was to say that slaves are drug users, then further distorted by Trottergirl who thought that gimmie a break was saying all drug dealers are black. Have you ever played the game telephone where people sit in a circle and start by whispering to one person and passing on that same message around the circle and seeing the end result? Rarely is it ever the same message as the one that started. This is the same. It’s a shame to get so worked up about something that wasn’t even said. It only gets worse when you go further down the forum because just like the game the distorted gets more distorted. Read all the posts and you may get the point.
I think everyone agrees that drug dealers are criminals and should be punished. This is not a race issue. There are a lot of white people on the above list. I think that this is a tough issue because drug dealers are criminals that know exactly what they are doing. Do drug users belong in prison? No, these are the people that belong in rehab. But drug dealers can’t benefit from rehab. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of other options because of prison overcrowding and the cost of housing inmates. We could be like Arizona who in some parts use tents to house inmates and surplus foods such as bologna to feed them. That doesn’t cost much! Look up Sheriff Joe Arpaio if you want to know more. Really, there’s no right or wrong answer. You can not make sense of something that is senseless.
Amy I respectfully submit this to you- I think im still not getting my point across- I didnt misinterpret wade’s comment. he feels that using inmate labor for profit is another form of slavery. i respect that view however misguided and i simply- or maybe not so simply- thought that comparing what inmates do, e.g. make license plates or whatever- to offset expenses for their own incarceration (for their own mistakes) should not be likened to slavery as experienced by african americans in our country in the 1800’s. Humans- CHILDREN- taken from their families, brought here and forced to work on a plantation are different than the meth cook that poisioned his home, children, OUR environment and so on and claims he is being exploited because he is having to bang out license plates. Amy I would agree to a certain extent that drug users do not need to go to prison and need help, but for the sake of discussion in this fine forum, what to do? A drug user who is repeatedly caught should get treatment but should do so in a location where he or she cant walk out.
And one other thing, Lucas, im not sure what you mean about sentences for crack cocaine dealers and racism. Possession of crack cocaine with the intent to deliver is a class y felony, punishable by 10-40 years to life. Its the same sentence for possession of crystal methamphetamine. The only thing I can possibly see where someone can come up with a remote cry of racism might be white males, as they account for over 90% of meth manufacturing cases where they face the 70 or 50% rules if convicted which is far more prison time served per offense when you look at those particular cases compared to a comparable crack cocaine, marijuana or prescription pill case. I hate to hear cries of racism from both black and whites, as i stated in an earlier post, it’s hogwash and nothing short of an excuse for bad behavior, regardless of race or enthicity.
I did read your coment again. I came up with the same assumption. There was not reason to mention slavery when talking about a drug problem. You can say that race is not an issue, but it is. I am not saying the word Africa or African is offensive itself. I am very proud of the word AFRICA OR AFRICAN it is the way you used it. I did read the article and yes there was a few whites got arrested but lets see if they are going to get as stiff of a punishment as the so called crack dealers. No, I do not agreee that all drug dealers are criminal. You never know what situation people might be in. There could be circumstances that you, me, or the next person could not imagine. I am so sick of people saying race is not an issue. Yes it is, worldwide and yes in Monticello, AR. When you can’t sit down in your yard and relax without the police constantly riding by, or yet stop and ask what are you doing? When you are going to the store and the police is riding your tail,but you didn’t violate any traffic laws?When the police talks to you like you have a tail between you legs and threathened to take you to jail for asking questions? When they want to pat you down as soon as you walk down the street.YES, race is an issue.I agree with Amy, it is also a rich vs. poor. But who has most of the money in MONticello?
Alright, let’s take this all into prespective. To say that whites and blacks are treated differently by the police is a case by case basis. I’m afraid that you may be right. Some policemen may be harder on black people or hassle them more and that’s a very sad thing. Although this is true, it’s not the issue. Let’s face it the sentencing will be the same for almost every person unless they have a better lawyer or have names to give. You could say that race and money may play a part in a lawyer but from what I know of the white dealers above they do not have that sort of money nor do their parents.
Whether or not circumstances are beyond your control you know the law. Drug dealers are criminals. There is no way around that. What they do is against the law, since dealing is not normally a one time thing this is a habitual crime. That makes you a criminal. It’s not like stealing for bread because your kids need to eat. This isn’t so they can survive. It’s so they can make a lot of money without working hard to do it. You would be hard pressed to find a mother of a child who tried ex one time and died that would feel that the person who provided it doesn’t belong in jail. If someone comes to you and is very depressed and asks for a gun do you hand them one loaded? No, and if you did what happens there after can connect you as an accessory. A drug dealer knows exactly what you will do with the drug and what the risks are. Whether or not we all agree the biggest thing is that if even for a day, there were 20 dealers off the street. Let’s not miss the point of how great that is!
Amy, thank you for a least acknowledging that some are harder on blacks. Yes, it is an issue, maybe not for you, but it is a really big issue that doesn’t need to be swept under the rug. Even if you get a great lawyer, sentencing is harsh, but like the old saying says MONEY TALKS. I still don’t feel that all drug dealers are criminals, yes they commited a crime. Some people sell drugs to feed their children, maybe even their Mother. Let me just say I don’t condone selling drugs at all, but I think people are to quick to judge. But, maybe they need to stop focusing on the little drug dealer and get the main ones. The one they are selling for because the dealers around here are not rich by no means and someone is putting them on the streets. THe supplier is the one with the big money. Wipe them out and I bet everyone will be surprised to see who is really the drug dealers.
Trotter girl, I think it is very bold to assume that you know what is and is not a big deal for me. How do you think that they get the “suppliers”? They have to get the dealers that get it. Even though the people who supply the drugs may be the biggest problem drug dealers are a problem! And, to feed their child or mother? PLEASE! Can you not have a normal job to do that? Evem with no education there are plenty of legal jobs to hold down! NO! That is not an excuse. And frankly I think it’s an insult to the struggling people working there butts off everyday to feed their families that an excuse such as I have to feed my child or mom would be admissable in court! Tell me, how is it fair to in one minute of exchanging drugs and money make more money then someone working hard in one hour! And you know that some drug dealers make more in a day then the legal worker does in a week! The actions are premeditated and if used by an exused that they had to feed their “child” or “mother” makes them that much more ridiculous!!!! Someone with the capacity to care so much for their child should want to keep themselves out of harms way. How will they feed their child after they are behind bars? How will it affect the child that has doped up teenagers and old junkies running through their house all day? How will it affect their child if one day one of these dopers doesn’t get the fix that he wants because he can’t pay up and decides to kill everyone in the house? Tell me, please that these actions should be condoned! I can not think of something more criminal then handing a someone a drug!!! They could die, they could become addicts, they could kill someone after driving off intoxicated. Let’s think back to the man who crossed the road and killed Laketria Wells and her family. He was on crack. Do you think his dealer should go to jail. I sure hope your answer is yes! These trajedys happen daily and the only deterrent is to put the dealers in jail and if the user causes this crime he belongs in prison for a long long time!
See thats part of the problem. You say you dont see that all drug dealers are criminals and then you wonder why the police are around you. If the police are ‘constantly’ riding by, MAYBE THERE IS A REASON with that type of mentality. I do understand there are situations that are extreme that could lead a person to selling drugs and the main one is people- whites and blacks- being lazy and not wanting to get jobs like the rest of us. Before the whole ‘the economy is bad’ stuff starts, i would quote a Mexican friend of mine who says there are as many jobs here as a person wants. No, they dont all start out at 60k a year but that it a better place to start that on a street corner selling drugs. I am not so sheltered to say that race doesnt come into play ON BOTH SIDES but to take a page out of Bill Cosby’s book, we ALL have to act in a way that doesnt attract police. And why would the police driving by bother anyone who wasnt doing anything wrong? And by the way, it wasnt Amy- it was me who said its the rich vs. the poor. And as far as the slave topic, it shows a blatant disrespect and lack of appreciation to those who were forced into slavery to compare them to a drug dealer who has to work while he or she is in prison. Period.
yes it is disrespectful bringing slavery into a discussion about drug dealer and yet you did it. Let me clear up some things. The police aren’t riding by MY house, but I have witnessed it being done, just because I am discussing it doesn’t mean it’s happening to me. I knew that statement was going to be made about people being lazy and there are jobs. Tell that to the people who are getting up every morning looking to no avail. Finding a job is not easy I don’t care what you say. Why did you intentionally quote a mexican and then made reference to Bill Cosby…mmm. Why do the police drive by when there is nothing wrong taking place? I know the answer, but maybe you should ask the police that question. Don’t bring Laketria into this. You don’t know if she was a part of my family or what. Once again, I am against people selling drugs. Ya’ll can easily say get a job, get a job, get a job, but again I say.You don’t know every dealers situation, there a circumstance that I can’t understand or that you can’t understand. You might not belive it but some people live very hard lives and besides who are you to judge? That truck driver that killed Leketria and her children was on drugs and alocohol. I think the truck driver should get the death penalty for killing a family. I am open to discussion but please don’t mention Leketria name again when we are having a discussion. You all said all the things I knew you would…typical
You all. Typical? Typical of who? Hmm. . . I wonder who you mean by you all. I think presuming what someone is going to say is prejudice! And before you jump all over that. Prejudice only means pre-judging so don’t throw a fit!
I have the utmost sorrow and respect for the Wells family and it is for situations like this that I carry a belief that drug dealers are criminals. Actually I was making a point about a tragedy that affected this entire town. I’m making a point that drug dealers are criminals. And if you go back to that report that truck driver was just on drugs!”A Mississippi truck driver accused in the deaths of five members of a Monticello family told investigators he had used crack cocaine within six hours of the accident happened Saturday,” “Reading from the affidavit from Whitmore, Hunter said Arkansas Highway Police searched the truck and found drug paraphernalia, which Whitmore identified as a crack pipe.” Quoted from Pine Bluff Commercial. No alcohol just drugs. Either way. He should be in prison for life as I assume he will be and the dealer who sold it to him is a criminal! This was a tragedy that can not be measured and the reason was DRUGS!!!!! Plain and simple. Don’t pretend that we do not all hurt from this situation. This was brought about because everyone in this community hurt for this family and you can relate to it and say hey, maybe drug dealers are criminals. Don’t skirt around the issue!
Quit making this about race. You are disecting every comment made and trying to figure out how it is racist. That’s crazy. Do you know me? Do you know where I came from?
Just so you know, gimmie a break nor myself were the ones that made the point about drug dealers being compared to slaves. She actually was upset by that analogy. Read the past forums. This has gotten off track. We can debate all day and you can act as though I didn’t make a straight forward point about drug dealers being criminals all day but that wasn’t the overall point of this discussion.
It became that. The point is the police did their job and got drug dealers off the street! Good Job!
I won’t debate this issue anymore. It’s pointless because some refuse to open their minds. I think what the police are doing is great and I commend them for that. Hope that’s not too typical!
For all those drug dealers that claim they can’t find LEGAL employment…just this morning I saw a sign that read, “Now Hiring Smiling Faces” at McDonalds.
I must also support the notion that if the police are constantly present in an area then there must be a valid reason for being there. I personally wouldn’t find it annoying to see the police riding by my house daily because it would comfort me to know they are montitoring the neighborhood. I certainly wouldn’t feel threatened or paranoid.
I also feel that the small time drug offenders are more easily accessible than the big time offenders. They are the direct link used to pursuing their suppliers. When I see the bust of these small timers I smile because I know they are a piece to the puzzle of big timers and will be utilized accordingly.
A crime is an action or an instance of negligence that is deemed injurious to the public welfare or morals or to the interests of the state and that is legally prohibited. A criminal is a person guilty or convicted of a crime. Plain and simple…I see no argument here.
Again, hats off to our law enforcement for what they do!
I did not mean you all, in a racist comment. I mean you all as in ya’ll (the ones I have been having a discussion with) You don’t have to state the facts about LeKetria wreck, I am well aware of the facts surrounding the accident. Yes, the driver was on drugs. I know that and have never disputed that. We are GOING to leave LeKetria’s tragedy out of the discussion PERIOD. I will say it again ya’ll said exactly what I thought ya”ll would….typical. Actually when I said typical,now that’s when I was being sarcastic!!!!! Look, I didn’t comment to get people upset. I did it to express my opinion. I will continue to express my opinion. Of course, some citizen of this town don’t see that we do have a problem that has been going on far to long. Racism is alive in Monticello. No, you don’t want to discuss it or feel as if it don’t exist because it doesn’t affect you. I am very open minded, I analyze things from all aspects. You are close minded, when you get upset and want to close an issue just because someone is saying something that you don’t like or hit a nerve. Just because there is a now hiring sign doesn’t mean that they will hire everyone that applies. I know someone that went yesterday, did they get hired no. Everything is not as simple as you try to make it.
I still disagree. I am not paranoid because I don’t have anything to be paranoid about. That is not being paranoid when they are bothering you for no reason. I bet you there alot of people who will tell you the same thing about them as I did. No, they are not criminial and they are not in trouble with the law.
No, I don’t know you and YOU DON”T KNOW ME. Frankly, I really don’t care where you come from. You don’t know what race I am.No, everything is not about race but some thing are. Let me tell all of you something, I am not dumb, crazy or paranoid. I am a very strong, intelligent, and driven person that will back down to no one.
Yes, there is a lack of good paying jobs in this community, but there are jobs to be found, instead of dealing drugs. What people looking for a job need to realize, is that when they go looking for a job they probably will not be hired on the spot. They also need to dress appropriately and look presentable, i.e. no earings in all parts of body, awful green hair, pants hanging down past their butt, black eyeliner on their lips/eyes etc. Also, it is very helpful if they can spell correctly on their applications. First impressions do make a big difference and this may be why some people who are looking for work are not getting hired.
Well actually I have respect for all of you and the fact that you voice your opinions and thanks to Monticello Live for hosting such debate, as its long overdue in our community- open and honest debate. Lemme try and change the tone for a second by saying this- I mentioned a Mexican because that Mexican is my FRIEND and made a good point that I wanted to express, not because I am a racist and wanna talk about Mexicans. I like every mexican i ever met to tell the truth. They dont expect our government to work for them, they come here to work. I respect that. They are just willing to work in jobs that a lot of us think are beneath us. Im proud for them and want to see them prosper. I mentioned Bill Cosby because he is one of my heros. Has been since I was a kid. Not because he is black, because he is honest. How many Doctors, Lawyers, Bankers, Teachers, or other respectable members of society do you see with rebel flags in their yards or sagging pants with their underwear showing? Not any that I am aware of. Mr. Cosby brings these points out in an effort for ALL people to get their acts together and stop blaming someone else for their own situations. Yes, he does speak mostly to the black community, but his opinions hold true with both black and white. And as far as the slavery thing. I was only trying to defend the honor of those extreme sacrifices that were made by slaves by saying they were better people than to be compared to a prison inmate who was in jail because of his own actions. If someone finds that offensive, then they would either have a. a low opinion of those who were forced into slavery or b. a pretty high opinion about drug dealers. I for one, would have to say that i have the utmost respect for the men, women and children who suffered through slavery and a pretty low opinion of drug dealers. And by the way, I understand from a cop friend of mine there might be openings at the Sheriff’s Department, ADC and at a couple of area police departments. If someone truly wants to change the way law enforcement is, they should apply. If they dont, then sit on the couch and complain about it.
Trotter girl,
Please address the people you are referring to. Your comments get confusing as to who you are talking to. You have the nerve to call people close minded yet you say things like “i don’t care where you are from.” Talk about hitting a nerve. I said I wouldn’t discuss it anymore because we were getting off subject. But, you are referring to “some citizens” as being unaware of problems in this town. I have lived here for almost 24 years now! I am well aware of the problems in this town. And for someone to not know or “care” where I come from why would you say these problems don’t affect me. How do you know?
Also, I think that you mis-understood what my point was about the accident concerning the Wells family. I passed this accident after it happened and knew the family. That in no way affected me the way that it affected the family but it will forever be in my mind. I want you to know that this family is the reason that I believe drug dealers are criminals. I was not being dis-respectful! Keep in mind this is an open forum and people can say what they want. They don’t have to keep anything “out of the discussion PERIOD.”
I am obvuously wasting a lot of time trying to make a point but keep in mind that my point in bringing up this tragedy was to make a point about what can happen when drugs are dealt. This is a sad fact.
Again, the discussion is off the subject and did not hit a nerve for me. I am also not upset. This has just become a discussion of opinion and not intellect. Noone has said that you are not intelligent by the way.
Also, please keep in mind that although some may use screen names people know who you are when you walk around talking about your arguments on Monticellolive!!!
I hope that those who are paying attention realize that I am only concerned for those who are hurt by drug use. Whether it is families, lives, jobs, friends, or dignity lost drugs can do no good. The drug dealers know these consequences. My only argument was that someone who is aware of what they are doing and does it anyway even though it is against the law is a criminal.
I just wanted to clarify MonticelloLive’s interpretation of “open forum”.
Since February, when MonticelloLive changed it’s comment policy from an “instant, anonymus, letter to the editor” concept, I have deleted many comments, for “wandering” too far from their point and getting into “insult and one-liner contests”.
I have deleted several comments that were 95% great, because of a single insult in a closing statement.
While nothing in the ‘drug warrant sweep” has been out of line, I just don’t want other authors of comments to mis-interpret MonticelloLive’s concept of “open forum”.
Actually, I would like to compliment the way that this line of discussion has remained self-managed. It sets a good example.
I have my own opinions on the topic (someone already is using the “we report, you decide” line), but the parties involved are doing an excellent job of covering multiple sides of the topic.
Keep up the good input.
Joe Burgess
MonticelloLive.com
I find it interesting to see how people from different backgrounds and lifestyles view this story. Someone who hasn’t done drugs, and who grew up knowing that no matter how bad things get, don’t do something illegal or something that hurts others to try and improve your situation.
When I was a child, my parents struggled to make ends meet. My dad didn’t have a college education, nor did he have any vocational training of any kind. He would work a job, just start to get caught up, and lose the job either to lay-offs or the company shutting down. Every job he worked was the equivelent to a typical Monticello job in that time that barely paid above minimum wage. There were MANY times we were left with nothing but beans and cornbread (which I liked, so they made me think they were doing that special for me and my brother). However, there was NO job that was beneath him! I remember him pumping gas, painting houses, mowing yards - anything LEGAL AND MORAL that would bring something to the table and keep the lights on. I remember only for a very short time in my entire childhood when we had cable, let alone a COLOR tv. We did without things that were not necessities (and no, TV is not a necessity), and we were better for it because we spent more time together as a family. NEVER did it cross my father’s mind to sell drugs to take care of his family, no matter how low it got. Why? Because the drug lifestyle destroys lives and families, and it would have been a stupid choice!
I beg to differ that drugs are a race issue. It’s an insult to any race to make that the issue. I’m sure there are some statistics somewhere that say a larger majority of one race is doing drugs. I’d say that if that’s true, it’s not because that race is more apt to do drugs, it’s probably because someone is lying to that group of people saying it’s the only way to survive, leading them to decide to follow that destructive path.
I have someone very close to me whose family is now destroyed directly because of his decision to bring drugs into their lives. He had a wife, son, and a house worth 210,000.00 that was almost paid for (the didn’t pay that much for it). They had cash from a large inheritance, and because they were so addicted to drugs, they have nothing to show for any of the cash except being high for about 3 years. He couldn’t have gotten a job if he tried because he couldn’t pass a drug test. In less than 2 years time over 1/4 million dollars ran through their hands, but they couldn’t buy milk for their baby or pay the utilities! They sold their house for 150,000.00 just before it was forclosed on (they owed 70,000, and their payment was only 400.00), took the equity and moved saying the area they lived in was cursed. It took 3 months to spend the 50,000.00 that was left. He can only account for 20,000.00 that had been legitimately spent. Their lives are now destroyed, they are in the middle of a divorce with a custody battle that is sure to hurt their child.
You could easily say that the person I mentioned above didn’t have the upbringing that I had, and didn’t have parents who would live the right examples to him, but you would be wrong in saying so. The story above is about my brother, raised in the same home I was. There are only two differences between him and I that made our lifestyles go in complete opposites. 1) I made a decision to have a relationship with Jesus Christ and to not turn my back on Him; 2) He made the conscious decision to live in the lifestyle he did.
There are countless stories of people (again, from every race) who grew up in drug-infested neighborhoods with no-good parents who abused them and sold/took drugs who grew up deciding that they will make something of themselves and will not raise their children that way - AND THEY ARE SUCCESSFUL IN DOING SO!
The lifestyle brought on by taking or dealing drugs cannot be blamed on society, it cannot be blamed on the government, nor can it raelly be blamed on the home someone was raised in. Just like the decision on whether one will go to heaven or hell rests in the individual’s hands, so does the decision to do right or wrong! If someone from any race gets arrested for selling or posessing drugs, he or she has no one to blame but themselves.
outstanding tj. well put! i remember my upbringing and it wasnt that different than you described- except i was raised by a single mother. no drug dealing, no expectation for someone else to fix our problems. no one complained about it either- we were a family, regardless of what life threw at us. terms like ‘hand me downs’ and ‘leftovers’ were coined in our house i think due to the lack of zero’s on mom’s paycheck. But we didnt have words like ‘pills’ or ‘meth’ or ‘crack’ or ‘drugs’ at home. i would much rather have gone to school and had kids make fun of what i was wearing or where i lived than kids make fun of me for the cops arresting my mom for selling drugs. You hit on something that people forget- the lives of the family / children that are affected by drugs. Well done!
Very Nice TJ!
TJ,you made some vary valid points. I hate that happened to your bother. That is really terrible and maybe he will make a positive turn around, and I;m glad you recognize that was his choice. All I’m saying is that drug dealers are kept in business by whom, users. I wasn’t raised around drugs, my mother is a college educated woman, my father a very hard working man.They both stressed Education to us. But I still see the stuff that goes on.
I was talking to AMy and gimmieabreak. I was answering your question Amy. Didn’t you ask did I know you or where you come from? I answered no, and I don’t care. Any more questions? I used a screen name because I preferred to and I don’t care who knows who I am. I have a right to voice my opinions and will continue to do so. There are alot of other issues that need to be discussed other than drugs. I stand by everything I said and there is problem in this town that has been going on to long. Just because someone sags or have green hair with black makeup doesn’t make them a drug dealer or users. I am sure people know how to dress looking for a job. All black young men are not dealer and they should be able to walk or ride a bike down the street without being questioned.
Gimmieabreak, ok a mexican is your friend. If I am having a discussion, I will not say, My mexican friend said this. I will say my FRIEND said this. I have friends that are not of my race and you will never hear me say oh, my Mexican friend said this. Who said anything about mexicans expecting the govt’ to work for them? I don’t understand why did you have to say that. You were doing alright up to there.Do you actually think that Doctors, lawyers, and teacher do not have children that use, deal, or experiment with drugs. I don’t know how may have rebel flags in their windown but, I see alot of those flags in Monticello. I don’t know what they do for a living. Yes, teacher and lawyers have sons sagging and girlls that wear their short skirts. They are not different than the rest of the world. I am not on the couch complaining. I work 2 jobs. You do not have to have rebel flag to be racist, it’s alot that don’t advertise as freely
I said my friend was mexican because we were talking about race. RACE was being discussed. Therefore i mentioned his RACE. His comments were from the perspective of someone who is from a different RACE. Something tells me if i wouldnt have said he was mexican, you would have made a comment ussuming he was white and thus something negative towards other races. You may not identify your friends as black, white, etc. and thats your perogative just like it may be mine to identify their race. Maybe i am PROUD of the fact that he is Mexican. Im not a racist, so it doesnt offend me if someone calls me their indian friend, black friend, white friend, etc. Not everyone takes every comment like it is meant with racist intent as you appear to do with your posts. NO ONE said that mexicans expect the government to work for them. It was mentioned in an effort to show that most immigrants come HERE to work and make a life and dont expect handouts from anyone. It was a COMPLIMENT to them.
Lastly, NO ONE said that ‘all black men are dealers’ as you put it. I didnt hear anyone say that and would be the first to rebuke them if it was said. As far as people with green hair and sagging pants using drugs, again, NO ONE SAID they use drugs. Lee mentioned that when talking about applying for a job. I know I am not hiring anyone at my business that comes in with sagging pants and/ or green hair because my business is out there to make money, not to look like a rock video filming set. Yes, Im sure that doctors, lawyers, etc. have KIDS that wear their pants sagging, but they ARE KIDS. We were talking about people trying to find jobs when that topic came up. Kids do lotsa stuff but I assumed this conversation was about grown ups.
Its not fair, honest or accurate to take a bit of a sentence, distort it, add something to it to make it appear racist or insensitive and then write it in a post here and cry about it. Its called crying wolf; complaining when nothing happenned; eventually, people ignore the complaints and the person crying wolf loses credibility.
Trottergirl I commend you for working two jobs. I do too. I just think that the quicker we realize that racism works both ways and condemn it ALL and not just select parts, we will all be better off.
Lets not condemn the police, but lets condemn the drug dealers that BRING the police to our neighborhoods. And by the way, the longest sentence for selling drugs in Drew County was for someone selling prescription pills, not crack or marijuana or meth. FYI.
I am not codemning the police. But, whether you want to believe it or not racial profiling is a big problem in our town. I never said you were a racist, I just pointed out some things in your dialog that caught my intentions. I am not crying wolf. Something did happen and will happen again and again. See, that what I have a problem with. If some one says something that you(not only you, using the world generally) disagree or does’t like, people want to ignore it, get mad and swear it’s not true. I know noone said all black men are drug dealers. I wanted to make that statement just FYI. I a going to say this and I leave this topic alone. Racism and steriotyping does exist in our society, and trying to make excuses, denying, quoting information doesn’t disprove it. All I am saying Recognize it and then maybe some changes can occur.
BOY! A lot said in this forum! If anyone is truely having a difficult time finding a job, and really has a desire or need to secure employment, I can direct them to, two varied careers. May not be their first pick,(neither was my first job starting out), but if they are up to the physical and mental challenge they can earn a decent living. Beats using or selling drugs any day. As stated by gimmeabreak, ADC is hiring, daily, so is Uncle Sam. If one is afraid that they could very well be hired, I would advise them NOT to attempt to talk to a recruiter in either field! PS: those of us, who work in the criminal world, realise that one of the biggest things that separate Criminals from law abiding citizens, is their mind-set or, their “criminal mind.” Regardless of how one may differ on the subject of drug usage, sale or any illegal action, this is for certain, crime is only gonna get worse. I humbly ask that anyone who can spare a prayer or two, not only pray for the offender(s), victim(s), agressor(s), but pray for the Officers and Soldiers who may very well give their ‘all’ to protect the freedoms we do enjoy–to include this forum.
Racial Profiling? Im sure it probably occurs on both sides, black and white and that is unfortunate. But lets not get racial profiling confused with criminal profiling. Racial Profiling is stopping, arresting, detaining on the sole purpose of ones race, with the race being the primary reason for the interaction.
I would urge you to tell the victims of racial profiling that you spoke of to report that activity to the appropriate authorities. The F.B.I takes that pretty serious these days.
I know exactly what racial profiling is. I do not need a definition. No, I sure it doesn’t exist on both sides, black and white. Other races maybe. Please don’t try to make excuses. You can dispute it all you want, racial profiling, racism etc. are things things that black people deal with often. What do think black people have been doing for years? Blacks have been reporting,fighting against these factors for years. I urge you to stop make excuses and trying to deny the truth. Gimmieabreak your last sentence made me lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is my last comment as Amy put it some people refuse to open their minds.
Everybody deals with racism. Only some want to use it as an excuse for everything not going their way or to justify their actions. And it does exist on both sides unfortunately because it is a mindset and until people realize that and address the problem intelligently, it will continue.
to all “drug dealers” TRUTH——–> Jump off a high cliff into a deep dry river bed
Well if they did that, then there would be people saying ‘oh, wait, thats not fair to the riverbed, it never had a chance..society held it down…and you only jumped into THAT river bed because of its color..’ and, inevitably, there would be someone at the bottom trying to catch te drug dealer before he landed so they could blame his actions on someone else!
Everyone does not deal with racism. There are one who issue it and ones who recieve it. Now, who is on the receiving end? Noone blames society and do not appreciate you (gimmieabreak) try to act as though racism doesn’t exist and if you say something about it we are blaming society and making excuses. You can deny it until your fingers turn blue. You are belittling the years and years blacks have being fighting for. Justice and equality.
No, I did not deny racism exists. Im an educated person and know it does. Again, re-read the posts. I simply stated that racism exists on both sides and you do not feel that way. Best we can tell, you think everybody picks on you, drug dealers should be given a reason to explain their actions since we ‘never know their situations’ as you put it, employers hold people down and wont hire someone and people should be free to wear their pants sagging and their underwear showing and get a 40k a year job over someone who looks professional. I simply stated that there is a bigger problem with the rich vs. the poor in society. I am not belittling the years that blacks have been fighting for equal justice, but someone claiming racism at the drop of a hat ON EITHER SIDE is wrong without understanding the situation and trying to ride the backs of those who actually HAVE done something to fight racism. Rosa Parks is one of my personal heros- what SHE did took courage. If I am a different race from her, you act as though we cant respect her because we arent the same race.
So long as a person refuses to admit that there are white kids, mexican kids, black kids, indian kids, etc. mistreated for their race, someone should speak for them. Otherwise, the ones who defend only their race are the true racists of the day. I would simply suggest waking up to the reality of the world that there are racists on all sides. I truly am sorry if someone has ever been racist towards you. It wasnt me. I was raised different. Read your April 3rd post and tell me racism doesnt exist on both sides. Look at O.J. Simpson. You telling me race didnt play a factor? What about Reginald Denny? He was pulled out of his vehicle and beaten because he was white. You say its a one sided thing and i dont, we can agree to disagree. I would just submit to you that so long as a person looks at race with such a narrow view and condemns anyone with a different point of view, attitudes will not change.
And I agree with your Jordan Park Pool post. Either it needs to be reopened or the city needs to provide transportation to the other pool for ALL children.
Has there ever been transportation provided to the City Park pool when Jordan Park was not a factor?
gimmie a break you are playing both sides of the fence.I do not think everyone picks on me. I will not allow ANYONE to pick on me. I do not think that an employer should hire people with their pants sagging and with green hair (forgot that one, huh) over a professional looking person. I am only saying you can’t judge people by the way they dress. Everyone need to look professional when looking for a job and when they are hired. But, everyone has their own sense of style. I got under your skin because I am speaking the truth. I do not scream racism at the drop of a hat, that is not something that you do not used lightly. I reread my post and yours too. To answer your question, you sound very racist. You just had to bring O.J. in this. What about Rodney King? I could go on and list name after name.Who list do you think(know) would be longer? Everytime some one of another race states the truth about racism. We are categorized as lazy, blames everthing on society, chip on shoulder, defensive, crazy etc. Trust me, what you are saying is nothing that we haven’t heard or seen before. And I submit to you so long as a person looks at race with such a narrow view and condemns anyone with a different point of view, attitudes will not change. TAKE HEED TO YOUR OWN ADVICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Trottergirl & Gimmieabreak - It appears you both have strong convictions with these issues! Maybe you two should meet and really discuss your opinions. I think you would be able to express yourselves more effectively and come to some sort of settlement instead of tearing each other into shreds one post at a time!
I agree with you Rachael. I would LOVE to meet her.
Those who did what they did to Rodney King were punished. Federal Court. Read up on it.
You arent under my skin. I am just simply trying to say that racism is unfortunate and it happens on both sides of the fence. Thats all. You disagree.
I never catagorized anyone as lazy, chip on their shoulder, etc. I just hate to see people that still look at everything as a racial issue, when its not.
I pointed out O.J. Simpson and Reginald Denny as proof that racism exists on both sides.
Trottergirl I think that you have misinterpreted what I have been trying to say all along, and that is that racism is a bad thing, all the way around. Everyone does have their own sense of style, and employers are entitled to have their own sense of professionalism and hiring standards.
I get tired of hearing whites say that they cant get jobs because of foreigners, I cant stand hearing white people say they dont get the breaks minorities do. Back to the origin of this post, I have heard white people say that they are picked on by the cops for being white(hence the tougher legislation on predominantly ‘white’ drugs such as meth) and heard the same thing from my friends that arent white, saying they are picked on by the cops too. Truth is, most of the time the cops arent there without a good reason because if they dont, they know they will get sued.
The vast, vast majority of all races are good people and dont agree with the 1% that blame everyone else for their own misfortunes.
So let me break this down one more time:
a. Racism is bad.
b. Drugs are bad
c. Drug dealers are bad
d. I respect your view
e. I specifically- repeat- SPECIFICALLY stated that
all of this behavior on BOTH SIDES, (that means
black and white) IS WRONG. We should stand up for
the kids of ALL races, not just one or two.
d. Racheal I respect your opinion too, and I am glad
that Trottergirl and I have had this discussion,
as at least we are talking about our different
views.
e. I still stand by your Pool Post. You are right
on.
okay!!! I agree with rachel!!! how far are yall gonna take this? and by the way racisms will always be a problem on both sides until the day Jesus come!!! and not all the time racism is black v white or vice versa it sometimes color against color!!
They were not punished enough. You do not have to tell me to read up on anything, everything you have made reference to, quoted and read I am up on it.
I agree, they werent. You are right, the world is wrong.
The officers were wrong for what they did but Rodney King was no saint either.
I’ve tried to read all these, but feel the initial meaning has been lost…maybe. Bottom line is regardless of race or gender or economic status, drugs are a problem. I know. Maybe I shouldn’t put this out there, but here it goes. I’m a 41 year old mother of 2 beautiful daughters and have a granddaughter. From the age of 29 to 33, 4 lost years, I was a meth addict. I was locked up many times (twice for posession), ordered to rehab, and finally after nothing seemed to work…I was incarcerated for 4 months and LUCKY (for me) that’s all I got. When I came home, I had to go straight to work and disconnect from former, unclean associates. I worked and came home and for 7 years, I have rebuilt my life. I now have a terrific job and great family life. There is not one thing that works on one person. Rehab has saved many, didn’t work for me. I was given so many chances. I had DTF, a probation officer, and family saying “Why can’t you stop?” I HAD NO ANSWER. There’s a fine line here, many may disagree. Where do we decide who gets 5-15 years in prison or probation / rehab, and I’ve seen people get either / or…for the same offense. When I saw the headline, 20 ARRESTED…I thought maybe 2 will be able to turn their life around. God knows, I pray anyone with an addiction can. The war on drugs is every where and kudos to the local authorities doing what they can to clean it up. I finally took what looked like the last chance for me. So many don’t get that. There are those who will never give drugs up and there are those looking for a way out, crying for help, but feel doomed to it. I’m tickled when I see drug busts in the news…if we return them to that life, to our streets, what have we accomplished. I want to talk to them ALL…I have stories you only see on Oprah or the National News! I want to save them, I want to wave a magic wand and drugs not have a hold on those we love & even those we don’t know. I want them to know you CAN have a new & restored life. But until then, DTF & City & Local officers have a job to protect the rest of us from people…people who are just like I used to be. If you know someone, a friend, a family member, do what you can and don’t stop trying. I’m alive today…seriously / literally because my family didn’t give up, didn’t stop trying. It took them 3 years. HOPE…HELP…LOVE…PRAY. Sorry if I rambled…just very passionate, and very thankful.