With all this hoopla going on about the Jackson County district attorney and the "injustice" he is serving, I felt the need to put my five cents in. (And yes, it will be more than the proverbial two cents.)

I have lived in Edna for the past 18 years. I grew up with the rumors of Bobby Bell throwing the book at certain people while letting other offenses - some serious - go. I would read in the Jackson County Edna Herald how someone of no criminal background or record would get sentenced 75 years to life for drugs. Oh my God?! Are you serious? I agree that they should serve time. If you get caught doing dirty, expect a not-so-happy clean up (i.e. jail time) on your part. But 75 to life for a first offense? For drugs? Okie dokie, Mr. D.A. You may want to calm your nerves a tad. I know you want to make an example, but that's going overboard

In light of recent events, I have to say that it's about time someone is stepping up in what they believe in. I can't speak on the case of David Rodriguez since I have no clue who this man is or what kind of person he is. I do, however, applaude his family and friends who are out there to support him. I have to applaude them for taking a stand of what they believe: the injustice and unfair punishment they believe is going on in the district attorney's office, and their protesting. In my 18 years of living in Edna, I have never seen that, and it was good to see.

I've read the many comments on the protest and the response given by Bobby Bell. I've read the article in the Austin paper about the Operation Crackdown that happened a few years ago that put 28 black people in jail, including the father of one of my classmates. I've heard about how people think Bobby Bell is "dirty" and he isn't so squeaky clean. To tell the truth, I'm tired of it. I'm not saying that I agree with Bell and the method of his sentencing. I'm saying that I see how people get punished in this small town. Because of that, I won't even think about spitting out a wad of gum on the sidewalk worrying I would get a 10-15 year prison sentence.

I know many people don't like Bobby Bell as district attorney. OK, that's cool. But instead of complaining about it, do something. Find someone else to be D.A. Join Judy Rodriguez as a part of her protest. Write a congressman. Push to get him out of there. Go to the courthouse with a petition signed by everyone you know who is fed up with what you think is going on. JUST DO SOMETHING! I personally don't care either way. Although I question his decisions on punishment and highly disagree with him and his methods, Bobby Bell doesn't bother me because I don't give him a reason to.