DRUGS DESTROY LIVES

The pathetic story of Tony Romo is a sad but telling example of the
destruction brought to lives through illegal drug use. Romo, 40, was
recently sentenced to 80 years in prison for terrorizing a 68-year-old
woman and her disabled husband at gunpoint in their home and stealing $50
from them.

He pleaded guilty to the offense, and a jury determined punishment. During
the punishment hearing, the prosecution brought evidence of numerous
robberies and burglaries he committed to buy drugs. In two days before his
arrest, he robbed nine stores - including one twice in 12 hours.

He testified that he never wanted to hurt anyone, he just wanted more
drugs. And it was true that his victims were not physically harmed.

But they certainly were emotionally harmed. Romo's crimes caused people to
feel less safe in their homes and work places.

In the case for which Romo pleaded guilty, he grabbed the throat of the
68-year-old woman and held a gun to her head after he forced his way into
the couple's home.

It is infuriating that the couple would be treated in such a manner, and we
assume by the jury's verdict that it agreed.

The jurors provided a good example of what good citizens must do to help
rid our society of illegal drugs: put criminals who sell and use them
behind bars for a long time.

It is sad he ruined his life with drugs, but Mr. Romo became someone who
deserved to be locked up. We must stop such crimes, and tough enforcement
and tough sentences are necessary to make our society a safer place in
which to live.