Pubdate: Mon, 3 Nov 2003 Source: Maui News, The (HI) Contact: 2003 The Maui News Website: http://www.mauinews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2259 Author: Joe Armstrong Note: To read about the "ice epidemic" in Hawaii, go to http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Hawaii . REPEATED DRUG VIOLATIONS MAY NEED MORE SEVERE PUNISHMENT It occurs to me that capital punishment is underutilized. We reserve it for what is considered to be the most egregious of crimes, murder. A murderer generally kills one individual, usually closely related and usually in a fit of passion. He or she usually is easily apprehended, prosecuted and sentenced. The family of the victim grieves, closes ranks and adjusts to the loss. It's a one-time deal, over and done. A drug addict destroys his own life and the lives of his family members. He forces poverty, degradation and ignorance on his children who, lacking guidance, pass it on to their children. The liberals would tell you he is sick and deserves our compassion. He is not and does not. Weak character and moral decay are not illnesses. It is the hedonistic pursuit of feeling good now. It is the refusal to accept responsibility for his own well-being or for the well-being of those to whom he has moral obligations. It is rooted in laziness and sloth. Should drug addicts be given a chance to redeem themselves? Yes, of course they should. One chance. After that, remove the bull from the china shop and let's have a barbecue. Joe Armstrong Wailuku - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk