IT'S UP TO PEOPLE NOT TO BREAK THE LAW

Regarding Russell Barth's letter in the Chatham Sun (Dec.
13).

On stiffer prison sentences, we already know these things don't work.
It's not new knowledge. What it is about is the safety and civil
rights of law abiding citizens. We don't think longer sentences will
prevent crime, only keep the dangerous members of society out of it
longer, which in turn will keep us safer, longer.

Criminals, by exhibiting a willingness to commit crimes despite laws
that prohibit their actions, already show that potential punitive
action against them for their actions is not a factor.

I am more interested in keeping these people off the streets as long
as possible, because the longer they don't walk the same streets as I
- -- the longer I am safer.

On legalizing marijauna, you don't legalize what is illegal just
because people are doing it anyway. Maybe we should try that with
murder or fraud or thievery? Yeah, didn't think so.

It's up to people not to break the law, not for police to bend over
backwards and change laws and their application to suit whatever bad
habits its citizenry have.

If people choose to break the law, then they ought to be aware and
willing to take the consequences for their actions.

Ed Hicks

Chatham

(Some people remember their rights as citizens, but forget their
responsibilities)