Debate Over 3-Strikes Law

Re “Three-Strikes Law Is Missing the Mark,” Commentary, Aug. 25: Joe Klaas talks about the economic costs of the three-strikes law. If the law had been in force before his granddaughter was killed, would he have been willing to pay the incarceration costs in order to keep her alive? I would. To keep my son less exposed to criminals, you bet!

The article states it costs over $500,000 to keep a criminal in jail for his lifetime. What would be the cost in human misery and property if the same career criminal were allowed to continue his lifestyle? Criminals are criminals every day of the week and break many laws, not just one or a few.

I have had the misfortune to live nearby and observe some dysfunctional, crime-ridden families. I can state unequivocally that the specter of three strikes and other harsh laws is causing them to think twice before committing new crimes. It costs a lot to have a free and safe society.

CHRIS WILLIAMS

Venice

* If Klaas and his son Mark have the courage to stand up and admit their regrets for having supported the three-strikes law in the way it was written, surely we voters can do the same.

They, like most of us who voted the law in, thought it was going to get the violent criminal off the street. But we soon found out that its target was the petty criminal who did stupid things, usually under the influence of drugs.

When I hear some people spouting off about locking up the felon and throwing the key away and then members of the family who have been victims speak out with common sense and compassion, I have hope once again.

BARBARA J. BROOKS

Fullerton

* The war on drugs. Jails are bursting; drugs continue to pour through our borders. Arianna Huffington (Commentary, Aug. 24) succinctly skewers this $40-billion-a-year tragedy. The blame falls squarely on both political parties, and this coming election year is a ripe opportunity for candidates to bring the issue out of the closet. Three strikes and this failed policy should be history.

DANNY SULLIVAN

San Diego