To the editor: I used to be disenchanted to learn The Times’ editorial opposing Proposition 36, a poll measure that may reclassify some misdemeanors as felonies and would additionally create a brand new class of crime referred to as a “treatment-mandated felony.”
For full disclosure, I’m the assistant CEO of the California District Attorneys Assn., which is without doubt one of the sponsors of Proposition 36.
Proposition 36 is a measured strategy to the horrible scenario we discover ourselves in. It makes sensible and surgical modifications to Proposition 47, a well-intended however problematic measure handed 10 years in the past. I hope your readers check out the editorial by the San Jose Mercury News saying that Proposition 36 is a “sensible response” to crime, dependancy and homelessness.
A recent highly respected poll discovered that 71% of probably California voters had been in favor of the poll measure. Amongst these are individuals who have misplaced family members to fentanyl and are bored with going to CVS and seeing socks and razors beneath lock and key.
Opposite to rhetoric of Proposition 36 opponents, no one desires to return to the times of disparately locking up brown and Black folks. The purpose is to make us extra protected and assist these residing with dependancy, psychological sickness and homelessness.
Proposition 36 won’t resolve the issue, however will probably be one small step in the suitable path.
Jonathan Raven, Davis, Calif.
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To the editor: The alternatives we make have penalties. When folks make poor selections, like committing a 3rd misdemeanor theft, these folks ought to obtain detrimental penalties.
California politicians have created insurance policies and a tradition which have resulted in a scarcity of acceptable detrimental penalties for individuals who make poor selections. As a substitute, these penalties land on society.
Unhoused individuals who break the regulation and refuse assist are allowed to go on destroying themselves and our communities, whereas penalties corresponding to fires and unsafe waste plague the remainder of us. Thieves who steal the whole lot from detergent to copper wiring go largely unpunished, whereas the remainder of us watch for the keys to retailer cupboards and stroll on unsafe, darkish sidewalks.
The editorial board’s opposition to Proposition 36 reveals its disconnect from actuality. A kindergartner learns that selections have penalties. We Angelenos have realized what occurs when our leaders and regulation enforcement officers fail to carry folks accountable for his or her actions.
Progressive leniency has resulted within the filthy metropolis now we have in the present day. We should maintain everybody accountable to the identical authorized requirements and penalties. Don’t steal the pizza.
Victoria Mordecai, San Marino
