Setting precedent?
Re “The Penalty Is Severe for Cunningham,” March 4
The Times writes: “After hearing arguments from prosecutors and defense attorneys, [Judge Larry Alan] Burns said he agreed with the prosecution that a long sentence would send a warning to politicians not to misuse their offices for private gain. But he then said, ‘Yes, send a message to politicians, but another message should be sent for service to country.’ ”
Apparently, the message is that if you’ve served in the armed forces, you can commit crimes and not be punished as severely as someone who didn’t serve in the military. Let’s remember this when it’s time to sentence President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.
K. JAMES MCDONALD
Glendale
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