SLAPPING JUVENILES' WRISTS

In reference to the story of the two teens charged in the home
invasion and death of James Kehoe (FloridaMetro, Jan. 4), Barbara
Kehoe said she "found it hard to believe kids this young could have
done this."

The problem as I see it is fourfold: One, a lax judicial system that
allows juveniles to become repeat offenders without there being swift
and lasting punishment for their crimes. Two, parents letting their
kids watch violent television shows and attend violence-filled
movies. Three, a government that will not wage total war on
drug-producing nations and make it a mandatory life sentence to sell
or give crack, hash, cocaine, marijuana or any other controlled
substance to anyone unless it is for medical purposes. And four,
failure to use the "three strikes and you're out" on juveniles who
commit crimes with any object that could be used as a weapon to
inflict bodily harm to another (this includes baseball bats, chains,
screwdrivers, shovels, firearms, knives, etc.).

I am sure that the Kehoes thought they were living in a nice secure
area, but as long as the system lets criminals of any age get away
with murder, rape and mayhem, then I suggest honest citizens arm
themselves for self-protection. It seems the courts and politicians
have tied the hands of our law enforcement officers to do that for us.