Pubdate: Sun, 26 May 2002 Source: Newsday (NY) Copyright: 2002 Newsday Inc. Contact: http://www.newsday.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/308 Author: Sen. Michael Balboni Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n947/a05.html ROCKEFELLER NEWS FLASH Les Payne is amazing in his myopia ["State Will Pay for Harsh Drug Laws," Viewpoints, May 19]. He lashes out against former State Sen. John Dunne for sponsoring the original Rockefeller Drug Laws, stating he is "splattered with the blood of the nation's youth." Yet, he misses the point. Dunne was a conservative senator who has admitted a mistake (a rare occurrence among elected officials, past or present) and is actually trying to do something about that mistake. News flash for Payne: The Rockefeller Drug Laws are here to stay, unless leaders such as John Dunne join in those arguing for reform. By "splattering" sensationalism in his column, how does Payne help the very people who will benefit from the cause of reform? Sen. Michael Balboni (R-Mineola) Albany - --- MAP posted-by: Beth