Crack Sentences

Well, this judge just put a lot of families in danger. Take a look:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/11/21/judge_skips_guidelines_releases_man_in_crack_case/

So, because she thinks that he was "honest", and black, he should be freed. Personally, I think race does not matter at all. A white guy or a black guy who each deal crack cocaine, in their own neighborhoods, should each get the maximum sentence. That act shows that they are going to be reckless where they live. If they act that way in their own home, then how do I know that they won't act worse in my home? Also, he had a prior record of assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm. What more do you need to know?

The crux here is that cocaine and crack cocaine carry different sentences, at least in the federal system. The main argument is that crack cocaine sentences target blacks because blacks are the stereotypical dealers and users of this drug, while cocaine is punished less because it is bought and sold by whites. That is the only argument. However, a drug is a drug. In my opinion, the sentencing guidelines are all out of whack, but for another reason. Cocaine, including crack cocaine, carries harsh sentences, but it is a Schedule II drug. Marijuana, with it's lite sentences, is a Schedule I drug. Schedule I has has a high potential for abuse, has no medical use in the U.S., and has a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. Schedule II has a high potential for abuse, has a currently accepted medical use in the U.S. with severe restrictions, and abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. So then, the real question is why does marijuana possession, sale, etc, carry such lite sentence?