Wrong?

Once again the editorial board of the Ragister pulls out their tiny violin to defend those in prison.

The Register's Editorial: Life sentences for nonviolent crimes are wrong

We're made to feel sorry for Robert J. Riley --

Riley received a mandatory life prison sentence for providing minuscule amounts of LSD to fans of the Grateful Dead band after two prior convictions for possession of small amounts of marijuana after other Grateful Dead shows.

We're told --

At his sentencing, U.S. District Judge Ronald Longstaff of Des Moines told Riley, “The mandatory life sentence as applied to you is not just. It’s an unfair sentence, and I find it very distasteful to have to impose it. The laws of Congress [are] not letting me impose what I think would be a fair sentence.”

Riley is a Deadhead in more ways than one and the scientific community is united in that fact.

"Mushroom Bob", as he was also known, had previously pled guilty to four separate charges involving small amounts of marijuana, hashish, and amphetamines. 

Riley's federal charge was for conspiracy to distribute more than 10 grams of LSD.

At sentencing, Longstaff also stated -- “it disturbs me that you’re obviously still a strong advocate of the LSD culture, and you will be, I predict, until the day you depart us. And I fear that if you do get out some day, I’m afraid you’re still going to be an advocate of that culture; and I think it may lead to further problems unless somehow you reach back and step back from your full support of that culture.” 

There you have it, a model citizen.

The Ragister asks --

Are these really the people society thinks should be locked away for the remainder of their lives while taxpayers foot the bill to feed, clothe and house them, and provide them with medical care?

The only time the Ragister professes to care about taxpayers, is when it favors criminals.