CONSPIRACY: Take a closer look

I originally wanted to post a copy of a letter I sent to the president of the United States, but you can only post 250 words. I think a lot of people would agree with me on its contents. It is concerning the constitutional issue of the offense of conspiracy, being charged to average people, by the federal government, state law enforcement and local law enforcement officials.When I was in high school we were required to pass a class on the Constitution of the United States. One of the questions on the final exam was who can be charged with the offense of conspiracy.

The answer was anyone participating in a plot to undermine or overthrow the government, transporting illegal drugs across the borders into the United States, or business executives conspiring to defraud the American people. It went on to say that a conspiracy charge can only be brought against white collar workers (executives) and above. It further stated that the average person cannot be charged with the offense of conspiracy, because they cannot comprehend the scope of the charge.

My question is when did they amend the constitution to read that anyone can be charged with this offense. Not just people who are addicted to drugs, and can't think straight anyway, but average people. Like in the Aug. 18 Coeur d'Alene Press records section, sentencing for Ira Tankovich - possession of a firearm, justifiably sentenced, but conspiracy to commit disturbing the peace? Where does it end ?

JOHN DONAHUE

Post Falls