Stallworth's 30 Day Sentence

What a horribly sad day when a man's life is not worth more than a 30 day jail sentence.

I completely understand the reaction that the majority of people are having to Dante' Stallworth's 30 day jail sentence for his guilty plea to driving drunk and killing a 59 year old man on his way home from work. So far, everything I have read has been expressions of shock, outrage, and down right anger at the judge and with Stallworth for this completely ridiculous sentence. I agree with every bit of the shock and outrage. However, I also believe that there is a point that some people are missing. Remember that the victim's family was not opposed to this sentence. In fact, I believe that they supported it. It was reported in the news that Stallworth made a monetary settlement with the victim's family. Yes, he bought his 30 day sentence, but at the same time this family allowed themselves to be bought. In fact, it is my opinion that they sold their loved one for whatever amount of money this settlement was; more than likely in the millions. How sad that a man's life can be bought and sold and it's perfectly legal.

One of the provisions of Mr. Stallworth's sentence was that he make a $2500 donation to MADD, Mother Against Drunk Driving, the organization that fiercely fight's lenient DUI convictions and pushes for stricter sentences and tougher laws. MADD had refused the donation. They feel, and in my opinion, rightfully so, that if they were to accept the money that they would be condoning this 30 day sentence, what the President of MADD called a "slap on the wrist." She explained that Florida, where the incident took place. I should also say that there were other parts of the sentence that were also reported. After Mr. Stallworth's 30 days in jail, he is under house arrest for two years, although he will be able to travel with his team, The Cleveland Browns, for games. He will have to undergo drug and alcohol testing and his driver's license is revoked for the rest of his life. After five years he will be able to apply for a provisional license, allowing him to drive to and from work. One other provision of his sentence that I read was that he must perform 1,000 hours of community service. And all of that, my friends equals one man's life. Not a bad trade off is it?

I think the moral of this story is that money really can buy anything.