Date: Mon, 17 Feb 92 22:25:07 -0500
From: an288@CLEVELAND.FREENET.EDU(Mark Hittinger)
Subject: File 1--Message related to craig's problem (RE to CuD 4.08)

A poster in CuD 4.08 wrote:

>Craig needs our help in defraying the costs of a battle from which we
>all benefited. Even $5 would help. Just a 29 cent stamp and a $5
>check.

Mine is on its way.  Thanks to the CuD guys for making us aware of
this.  Those of us that can (and would) help can't unless we are made
aware of the need.  Many of us are older and draw good incomes from
the cyberchaos.  Lets not call it cyberspace yet!

Debates over issues and principles are fine but they need to occur
after the practical matters of life are dealt with.  In our less than
ideal world we still need to get the rent paid (and even the lawyers'
fees *DAMN*).  I have been somewhat disillusioned by the activities of
various new frontier organizations.  Lets fix the practical matters
first in real time and then debate the principles later in virtual
time.

> ...  Ironically, if the
>principle of honor were not so important, Craig arguably would have
>been better off to plead guilty rather than defend his honor. It would
>have saved him time, money, and bother. When the costs of pleading
>guilty to crimes of which one is innocent becomes the best way of
>avoiding devastating consequences, we cannot agree that the system
>"works."

Lets not forget than Len Rose caved in and took the plea bargain
route.  We can argue about what he did or didn't do, but he still
needs to get his rent paid, feed his kids, and rebuild his life when
he gets out (soon).

I'm sure that there will be similar needs in the upcoming cases that
have been discussed in recent CuD articles.  I wish that it was as
easy to send a $5 check as it is to argue - but I know that it is not.


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