Punitive laws often remain on the books long after their usefulness. The 3-Strikes laws are a case in point if, in fact, they were ever useful. Some 22 states that had adopted them have since changed them when they realized the injustices and the extreme expense connected to them.
Washington should consider reforming their harsh 3-Strikes law. Statistics regarding our 20-plus years of tough on crime in this country have shown that all weve accomplished is the transformation of the land of the free into the worlds No. 1 jailer. It is time that our leaders concentrate on shedding this legacy.
Instead of building more prisons, lets commit to reducing the number of imprisoned by repealing mandatory minimum sentencing laws and supporting restorative, effective alternatives. Id much rather a reputation of the worlds best educators.
Lea Zengage
Lake Stevens