THREE-STRIKES LAW STRIKES OUT

American society has gone three-strikes crazy.

The U.S. Supreme Court's 5-4 decision to uphold California's three-strike
policy on March 6 has set off debate across the country.

It's unbelievable that a reported drug addict convicted of stealing some
videotapes in California was considered such a danger to society that he
was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison.

Another Californian convicted of stealing golf clubs was also sentenced to
an exorbitant punishment, 25 years to life.

Where's the justice?

The decision reflects an increasingly punitive approach to dealing with
crime in American society. Draconian laws are implemented more and more.
Now 12-year-olds are being tried as adults and sent to prison for life.
It's just not right.

Instead of ensuring the crime fits the punishment, the legal system is
taking a one-size-fits-all approach that is legally questionable. Unusual
punishments are becoming the norm, and they are certainly cruel.

Proponents of the three-strikes ruling cite California Department of
Corrections statistics that say recidivism rates dropped by 25 percent in
California over the first four years after the legislation was enacted in
1994. Their argument is compelling on the surface, no doubt.

But what we need to do at this point is step back and look at why people
are in jail. If detainees are merely property damagers, thieves or drug
addicts, are they worth the billions of dollars we pour into the criminal
justice system? And is it worth taking someone's mother, father, sister or
brother away for good? It only perpetuates a fragmented society and more
desperation--and more crime.

If the criminal justice system isn't working to curb crime, then lawmakers,
criminal justice authorities and administrators need to put their time and
talent into fixing it. That is what we pay them for.

It is unjust to punish people randomly, especially those at the bottom of
the social and economic ladder who often have less-than-perfect legal
representation.

Public officials need to wrap their arms around the substantive issues
rather than remain consumed with the bottom line. Truly addressing what
makes people criminals--poverty, underemployment, drugs--will prove to the
public that officials are working hard and may even give them a few more
accomplishments to add to their campaign literature.

These individuals need to stop unraveling the fabric of our society by
deconstructing the spirit of America. What ever happened to the "land of
opportunity," where people can turn their lives around and anyone can succeed?