Up on the Board: LIRR’s 2nd track, Holder’s détente on drug war
Attorney General Eric Holder speaks at the Delta Sigma Thetas Social Action luncheon, part of the sorority's 51st National Convention in Washington. (July 15, 2013) Credit: AP
The editorial board thinks the Long Island Rail Road’s planned second track between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma will bring more benefit than pain. Sure, there may be more traffic, but Long Island needs the increased rail service.
And Attorney General Eric Holder’s address on mandatory sentencing for drug crimes appears to give prosecutors more discretion to bring lesser charges against people who aren’t dealers, gang members or part of a cartel.
Board member Alvin Bessent believes this is an improvement over the current “three strikes” laws, which have locked up minority offenders disproportionately. Editorial page editor Rita Ciolli is concerned that discretion opens up a potential for abuse, and she would prefer to see the Obama administration address mandatory sentencing by getting Congress to change the law.
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