REPEATED DRUG VIOLATIONS MAY NEED MORE SEVERE PUNISHMENT

It occurs to me that capital punishment is underutilized. We reserve it for
what is considered to be the most egregious of crimes, murder.

A murderer generally kills one individual, usually closely related and
usually in a fit of passion. He or she usually is easily apprehended,
prosecuted and sentenced. The family of the victim grieves, closes ranks and
adjusts to the loss. It's a one-time deal, over and done.

A drug addict destroys his own life and the lives of his family members. He
forces poverty, degradation and ignorance on his children who, lacking
guidance, pass it on to their children.

The liberals would tell you he is sick and deserves our compassion. He is
not and does not. Weak character and moral decay are not illnesses. It is
the hedonistic pursuit of feeling good now. It is the refusal to accept
responsibility for his own well-being or for the well-being of those to whom
he has moral obligations. It is rooted in laziness and sloth.

Should drug addicts be given a chance to redeem themselves? Yes, of course
they should. One chance. After that, remove the bull from the china shop and
let's have a barbecue.

Joe Armstrong

Wailuku