WHICH IS IT?

Re: Vancouver Man Jailed Again In U.S., June 29.

I was appalled and dismayed to read of the decision by Mr. Justice John
Connell of the Monroe County Court in Rochester, N.Y. to return Allen
Richardson to prison for escaping custody on a minor drug charge 28 years
ago.

Judge Connell conceded that Mr. Richardson has proven his worth to society,
but did not want to send the wrong message that in releasing him it it was
acceptable to escape prison so long as one lived a productive, peaceful life
afterward.

Is the purpose of the system to rehabilitate or to punish? If the former,
Mr. Richardson has apparently more than amply succeeded. If the latter, I
hope the public's thirst for retribution has been assuaged.

Jack Rosenthal, Mount Royal, Que.