The point is she WAS offered a plea, her attorneys recommended it and SHE decided to roll the dice. Don't blame the prosecutor because she made a stupid decision. Although there's possibly some extenuating circumstances here, it still must be realized that you do not have the right to go to trial and then say, "I'll take the deal you offered before". If you choose door number 1 and get the "zonk", you can't go "Gee Monty, I'll take the $2000". The DA did his job, probably rather zealously but nevertheless if someone were to turn down a good plea bargain I offered, I think I would try even harder to make the conviction too. Our system is set up to overcharge people. I have problems with that, but that's the way it it. To me it's unfair to lay out a buffet of charges and say pick one or more of these when they often can only be convicted on one. But the limitations in the system demonstrate why pleas are so common and often should be looked at even at times to the compromise of principle, given what COULD happen if you're convicted. I too have trouble with the inconsistency of things. Unintentional things often get harsher punishments than intended. Some peoples' lives are often valued higher than others. There's a lot of inconsistencies.

You and me both. I go to the Humane Society at least once a week to pick up possums and I see such beautiful dogs of all breeds and mixed breeds. Not long ago, one of the shelters I go to got in many, many small breeds...poms, chihuahuas, rat terriers, yorkies...from a puppy mill. Yes, they are still out there. I think it is almost obscene to buy a dog or a cat when there are so many that need homes. Plus, if you get them from the shelter, having them spayed or neutered and shots are included in the price, which is very reasonable around here...sometimes as low as $25 if you are elderly or taking an elderly dog, and I've never known of one to be more than $65...which is a bargain on the vet care alone. One of my dogs is a mini schnauzer x mini dachshund. I finally traced down her former owner...who is in prison now. I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't pay a big price for her...because she is a "designer" dog. What an idiot. Everyone who wants a dog or a cat should go to their shelters and look at the beautiful pets there. It will rip your heart out.

Son loves gmail - wanted to get me into it probably a couple of years ago - back when one had to have an introduction from a subscriber. Did you see my suggestion yesterday to some frustrated hotmailers? It was mainly in jest .. I sort of enjoy that. I've been on Yahoo! for quite a long time and have been pleased with the service, though would be more pleased were they to snatch more of the "Bulk" (four-letter word ... as is "spam") mail on the way in. I have too low capacity in my computer to have allowed me to install their recent upgrade ... perhaps that would help. Quite a few people make Yahoo!Financial one of their major sources for financial info - I do. I'd be happy to send an email for you, if you could get a message to me. But - why not send it yourself? If you go to www.yahoo.com, click on "Mail" and you'll be able to sign in, set up an email address, and send your email. That should work - even if you never use that mailbox again. Shouldn't it? Worth a try - if sending an email now is important. ole joyful

Salgal, I understand your rant! Went through the same thing a few years ago. I have a pond in my backyard. For years, Mallard ducks would come and go and swim in the pond, lay their eggs on the shore, etc. I also had chickens at the time and would feed the chickens scratch corn. What ever was left, the (wild) Mallards would eat it. I never fed the Mallards outright. I got a visit from the Florida Wildlife Commission and was wanting to fine me because the wild mallards were residing on my property! I actually laughed in his face and told him to sit here for a few days and watch the comings and going of these wild mallards and I bet there wouldn't be a darn thing he could do about them. He left and I never got another visit again.