An article in the May 10 Herald called the mailbox bombs near Spokane a prank (“Mailbox bombs near Spokane called a prank,” news article, May 10). Webster defines a prank as a mischievous trick or practical joke. When did endangering people who pick up their mail become a practical joke? Though no physical injuries occurred, there was potential for injury to the hand, eyes or body. It puts fear in our hearts when we go to our mailboxes. What does it say to the perpetrators or copycats who might make more dangerous bombs, since this was supposedly only a practical joke? A sentence that would require jail time might teach the perpetrator a lesson and discourage the copycats. There are consequences for thoughtless behavior.
The word prank was used when Clinton hirelings trashed the White House before leaving, costing the axpayers hundreds of dollars to clean and repair the damage. It was a criminal act, not a practical joke. The so-called pranksters should have been given some time in jail and made to pay for the damage. Why was it passed off with a mild comment as if it didn’t amount to much? There is no place for humor when we call dangerous and costly behavior a practical joke or a mischievous trick. It only encourages more crimes.
Stanwood
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