Unequal Protection Under the Law for Theresa Saldana

If Arthur Jackson had attempted to murder, let’s say, George Bush, you can bet that he would never be let out of prison, for any reason. But because Theresa Saldana, Jackson’s victim, is only a relatively unknown young woman, the system opts to ignore Jackson’s warning that his mission in life is to kill her, and decides to set him free (“A Crime Without End” by Dianne Klein, June 2).

Saldana is a profoundly courageous woman who should not have to beg the courts to protect her hard-won, happy life. Anyone taking part in the decision to release Jackson will have to carry the responsibility for what happens when he is out. Are we so bloody-handed, so uncaring about a precious human life, not to mention the life of her unborn child?

I also have to say that putting this tragic and time-sensitive legal story under a fashion article on Pat Sajak’s ties is in incredibly bad taste. This isn’t a comic strip; this is government gone mad.

JACKIE MELVIN

Claremont