I was dismayed to see how many self righteous OGDers would support the
draconian sentence imposed on George Norris and somewhat relieved that at least
Steve Topletz and Eric Muehlbauer saw fit to place the "crime" in a proper
perspective. Remember Dickens' "Les Miserables," in which Jean Val Jean was
sentenced to jail indefinitely for stealing a loaf of bread for his family. Who,
among us, has bothered to look over his shoulder in fear when doing 36 mph
in a 35 mph zone? I often place my trash at the curb prior to the mandated 6
PM of the day before trash pick up, without fearing prosecution. Most of us
commit technical violations of selected laws with total lack of concern.
George regarded his act, violation of a counterproductive law, which is
honored widely in its breach, in a similar fashion. His sentence was the
result of the blind zeal of US Fish&Wildlife, a judge who was totally
unconcerned with the underlying issues [I was at the sentencing hearing], and the
modern technology of surveillance.
The real issue is not simply whether George broke the law, but rather
what would have been an appropriate penalty for his transgression. Certainly
not 17 months in jail. Roll over, Dickens, Jean Val Jean has just stolen
another loaf of bread!
Bert Pressman
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