Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Mandatory Minimums a Better Path to Justice

To The Editor:

Re: “With Race, Holder’s Weak Action” The Hoya, Sept. 30, A3

I, too, have a bitter taste left in my mouth by the fact that those responsible for the financial collapse of the last decade seemed to have been simply slapped on the hand and told, “Don’t do that again.”

As a master’s of social work intern, I see the resulting effects every day for all those who were sold a bill of goods and lost everything. However, when will we admit that individuals have the same responsibility as governments and businesses to do their due diligence? If I have an income of $30,000 per year, how could I possibly think that I could afford a $500,000 house no matter how great the deal? Could I hold Eric Holder responsible for not punishing Wall Street when I was perhaps complicit in the crime?

Personally, I think that the progress that Holder was able to make in the elimination of mandatory minimums for non-violent drug offenders will make a far more dramatic and lasting change in minority communities. Since the 1980s and the introduction of crack, blacks and other minorities have been disproportionately imprisoned for drug offenses leaving children without fathers, families without wage earners and communities without hope.

By reinstating federal judicial discretion, the vast majority of those imprisoned in the United States (minorities for drug related crimes) will hopefully be able to be placed on probation (for non-violent offenders) or have shorter sentences.

This may allow them to integrate back into society quicker, more successfully and with less recidivism. Actually, I’m amazed that he was able to get that much done in this politically hostile atmosphere, and I applaud his dedication and service.

Kathryn McGinnis
GRD ’95

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