I can't think of a more fitting poster child for the "three strikes"
laws than the criminal Shane Reams [Some see tide turning on ' three
strikes' law," Metro, March 8]. After two felony burglary convictions,
he could not learn right from wrong and his "third strike" was buying
crack cocaine when he should have been living and working as a member
of a law-abiding society.

And now his mother wants society to give her son another chance. My
only question is, "How many chances?" In the meantime, why should
every member of our society who happens to be in Shane's path be at
risk? He could be driving a car high on cocaine or he could be robbing
someone's home or stealing from merchants for many. Any one of his
reckless acts will traumatize his victims and could ultimately lead to
the death of innocent people.

I am one individual who is willing to pay for Shane's food, shelter
and clothing for life. If criminals are feeling "violated" by the
"three strikes" law, something must be working correctly.

S. David
Laguna Niguel