Call Me What You Will . . .

But I Just Don't Get It!

When will criminals stop blaming everything and everyone for their behavior and take full responsibility for their actions! Where is the accountability? And when will society stop enabling their bad behavior?

Earlier this week, Oklahomans for Sentencing Reform filed a constitutional ballot initiative that would end some sentence enhancements, meaning the state can't tack on extra time because you are a repeat offender. The intent, again, is for non-violent offenders. You know how I feel about that. Non-violent THIS TIME. Previous times don't count. Well, maybe not in your books, but in mine, every crime is violent.

I have been accused of being too simplistic, but it is all simple to me. Every crime hurts. Therefore, every crime is violent. Now, I know the system and the mechanisms involved can be very complicated. But thinking as I do, the reality is, a criminal act causes pain (physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially, mentally, etc.) to someone, whether that person is forced into the system as a victim, or as one close to a person who chooses to violate the laws of the land and the laws of humanness.

Think about a 5-year old's prize possession being stolen. His bicycle. That act is devastating and hurts that child as much as any adult hurts for any reason. To me, that defines violence. Criminals choose to commit criminal acts. Criminal acts cause hurt and pain. Hurt and pain makes all crimes violent.

In a recent interview with The Oklahoman, Kris Steele stated that excessive sentences are unfair, and that there is no evidence that such sentences reduce crime or make communities safer. He goes on to say "…they usually make a situation worse by tearing families apart…" Excuse me. I don't know about you all, but I personally believe a persons' own repeated criminal behavior, and getting caught, tears families apart.

In addition, this recent initiative seeks to allow people who are currently serving enhanced sentences to petition for relief. Well, wouldn't it be nice to go back and get the sentences WE the crime victims and survivors want? My family did not agree with the courts' decision, but we were powerless to do anything about it, then and now. We have no choice but to accept the sentence and then everything in our power to make sure the sentence of the court is carried out. And make no mistake, we will do everything in our power and in the eyes of the law to see that this particular life sentence is fulfilled.

Contrary to popular belief, sentence multipliers/enhancements aren't excessive. They are earned. Earned by repeated behavior which causes excessive heartaches.