Proposition 184

* Opponents of Proposition 184, the “three-strikes” initiative, parade a string of criminals and expect us to shed tears for a murderer who also steals meat, a moron who repeatedly burglarizes homes, a thief and attempted jailbreaker who falls asleep drunk in his vehicle with a gun and illegal drugs and other such misfits (Oct. 19).

These felons did much more than just “steal for a job interview,” “steal $6 worth of meat” and “steal a few slices of pizza,” as the opponents of 184 would have us believe. By their obsessive criminal behavior, they demonstrate an inherent inability to conform to the rules of civilized society. To render them unable to further victimize others, they must be permanently removed from society.

Like their criminal clients, opponents of 184 just don’t get it: We don’t care why some people habitually commit criminal acts, we don’t care what factors “made” them do it (as if they should not be held accountable for their own actions) and we don’t separate one criminal act from an individual’s lifetime history of crime. In such cases, there is no difference between the theft of “a few slices of pizza” or a million dollars. Theft is theft. Period. If they can’t get it, lock them up and throw away the key.

CHARLES W. BELSER

La Crescenta