Prison Terms for Child Molesters

Re “Zero Tolerance for Child Molesters,” by Shari P. Geller, and “Involuntary ‘Treatment’ Is Double Jeopardy,” by Charles Krauthammer, Commentary, Dec. 16, about prison terms for child molesters: Geller is right when she calls for zero tolerance and life sentences for the monsters who prey on children. No plea bargains. No early releases. Life. Public safety demands nothing less. Why is this such a difficult concept for our lawmakers to comprehend?

Krauthammer believes that in the abstract name of justice molesters should be turned loose, even when the molester freely acknowledges that he will continue to prey on children. I propose this litmus test: Would those fighting for Leroy Hendricks’ freedom want this convicted child molester baby-sitting their children or grandchildren? If the answer is no, the hypocrisy of their position becomes clear.

JEFFREY G. GENTILE

Redondo Beach

* Geller states, “For child molesters, it should be one strike and you’re out . . . zero tolerance.”

Until we have a foolproof judicial system, it can never be “zero tolerance.” As we have seen in the McMartin and other child molestation cases, there is a high level of hysteria involved and at times innocent people are convicted.

The convicted must also be protected from a system gone awry. The right to an appeal and reasonable sentencing is the backbone of a fair justice system for all.

VICTORIA SMITH

Downey

* Hear ye, hear ye. Your Commentary page featuring the two articles on child molestation was right on!

The American public is so sick of sexual predators--literally dismayed and disgusted that our youngsters fall prey to evil. How can we stand by indifferent to this horrible assault on our children when we know child molesters do not respond to treatment.Incarceration is the only answer--lifetime in prison, away from temptation.

DORIS N. SUTTON

La Jolla