Unequal justice

Cookie Jill at skippy's place points us to yet another story illustrating that drug use reaches into every level of society.

California City Councilwoman Stacey Jo Murphy was arrested on suspicion of cocaine possession after her boyfriend told authorities they had used the drug together and he had associated with a notorious street gang and sold guns to a member.

A search of their homes turned up cocaine, guns and ammo in both residences. "Murphy, who has three children, also was accused of child endangerment."

The story also illustrates how punishment and condemnation of drug use is not equally meted out.

"Stacey Murphy has been a friend and a colleague. To the extent we can help her family and her, we'll stand next to her," Burbank Mayor Jef Vander Borght said.

Murphy has been on the Burbank City Council since 1997 and served as mayor in 1999-2000 and in 2003-04.

It's too bad such sympathy and support by city fathers is not extended to drug defendants such as Bryan Epis.