A recent letter to the editor expressed a line of thought about crime and punishment that needs to be reconsidered. In the past decades we have been ever lengthening prison sentences and nothing has improved. Keep doing the same thing and we will keep getting the same result.
Many people assume — incorrectly — that imprisonment is the toughest response to crime, when in fact other alternatives become more difficult and more effective in crime prevention because of what is required of the convict. These requirements include the responsible persons providing community service in places significant to those harmed, pursuing their education, completing job training, obtaining employment, paying financial restitution, making apologies, learning about their own culture and the culture of the harmed parties, becoming positive role models in their communities, addressing any harmful reliance on alcohol or other drugs, developing their skill sets as parents, or any number of other creative commitments particular to each case and the needs of the people affected by the crime.
We do need a new America!
Richard Guthrie
Snohomish
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
