Support for ‘3 Strikes’

* Shame on you, L.A. Times. You missed the story. As you reported in your April 2 Times Poll article (“Residents Balk When Asked to Pay for ‘3 Strikes’ ”), many Californians do not want to pay higher taxes to finance construction of more prisons. But, according to your own poll, more Californians would be willing to accept a tax increase to fund the new prisons needed under the “three strikes” law. Here in the birthplace of the modern tax revolt, I’d say that’s the story!

LORI SHEIN

San Diego

* In your April 9 “Crime Watch” editorial, you once again speak against the “three strikes” law, citing “the need for many more trials as felons refuse plea bargains.” You seem to completely overlook the fact that these additional trials will be the last trials for these individuals. We will not be burdened with arresting and trying these particular felons ever again, not to mention the savings to their potential future victims. If, as you say, it is too expensive to imprison these criminals for life, why do you constantly recommend life imprisonment instead of the death penalty, where it is warranted?

RICHARD A. PIERCE

Burbank