[Just another Joe]

My objection is to the drug fund which is administered exclusively by the local officials. It creates both the appearance of corruption and an incentive to actual corruption on the part of government officials.

So, if it wasn 't administered by only the local officials it would be OK?

I thought the objective in this country was to treat all fairly.
Not show preference in justice to those with money.

[PaxMacian]

What? Whatcom county is the bomb! These are bottom of the barrel
prices for a payoff and legit to boot. Every Canadian ought to use it
as their insurance when trafficking herb into the US.

[Libertarianize the GOP]

So, if it wasn 't administered by only the local officials it would be OK?

Not entirely because it too often seems that the purpose of the drug war is to raise funds for the government, but at least the incentives for corruption wouldn't be so direct.

In many cases I think it would be appropriate to give a lighter punishment to those who can afford to make the victims of a crime whole again. If a person can't pay restitution for their actions then there is more need to punish them in order to prevent more harm to future victims.