And Justice for All

[cmac2012]

I read a sad story in the SF Chron ta other day. A 16 year old girl was convicted of murder and served 30 years. She says her 23 year old boyfriend was the real killer, and he persuaded her to confess because, since she was a minor, she would get a light sentence.

The guy had previous offenses, she had none. He testified against her and got out after four years. In 1998, the parole board granted her a release. Governor Pete Wilson had 30 days to veto it. After 29 days she figured she was good to go but Wilson found some reason to veto the release after 29 and 1/2 days.

The fact that a court would believe that a 16 year old girl had committed the crime and not her 23 year old, criminal boyfriend is a little troubling to begin with. I can see a punk like that, trying to impress his young squeeze that he's a tough guy and is going to provide for her, somehow.

But then for Wilson, a Republican, to pull a last minute trick like that is purt near cruel and unusual punishment. Democrat Gray Davis, who followed Wilson, was no better -- the guy was paranoid about seeming to be soft on crime, so he allowed no paroles (well maybe one no-brainer, I forget exactly) during his tenure, denying even several that cried out for common sense leniency.

Schwarzenegger has been way better than both of them.

Meanwhile, the girl's parents are aged, and would like to have her help as much as she wants to give it. Fortunately she was released recently, in poor health and badly overweight. Eating is one of the few pleasures in stir. Don't ask me how I know.

Full story at:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/10/27/BAGHGFEEJV1.DTL