LETTERS: SENATORS RIGHT TO BACK LAW ENFORCEMENT

To the editor:

I have seen several negative editorials, letters and articles about U.S. Sen. John Ashcroft's opposition and vote against Ronnie Whites nomination to be a federal judge. I am in touch with sheriffs and police chiefs all over Missouri, and they know the facts and White. I have heard nothing but gratitude and praise for our two U.S. senators. I support Ashcroft and U.S. Sen. Christopher Bond for standing up, voting and supporting the view of law enforcement for such an important lifetime appointment as a federal district judge.

The Jim Johnson case is paramount and hits home for me. This man killed my wife and three law-enforcement officers in 1991 in California, Mo., where I am sheriff. Clearly, White's dissenting opinion did not take into account victims and the law that Johnson so callously broke, and the opinion showed a lack of commitment to effective enforcement of the death penalty. Only White wanted to drum up a reason to give a second chance to this cold-blooded killer.

Ashcroft and Bond did the right thin for Missouri. I am appalled by other member of the U.S. Senate and the president who would even think that our great senators from Missouri would ever consider the color of a man's skin in making decisions. Both Ashcroft and Bond are men of integrity and only want what is best for Missouri. They want good judges regardless of race or gender.

As sheriffs and law-enforcement officers, we face unknown dangers without notice. We need the support of judges to make sure that those who harm others suffer the consequences of their actions in our courts. We must have strong anti-crime judges who uphold the law and stand at the side of law enforcement, not someone who would work against us like White.

I thank both Ashcroft and Bond for their commitment to strong law enforcement and their compassion for me and my family.

KENNY JONES, Moniteau County Sheriff

California, Mo.