Letter: Many better ways to deter violent crime

So why have we experienced significant growth in mindless, violent crimes?

Maybe our system is failing us. I, for one, believe in capital punishment as a deterrent. I also believe that harsher sentences should be carried out for violent crimes and illegal possession of firearms.

For those who claim that execution is too costly, I suggest that the costs could be reduced by eliminating lethal injections and the limitless appeals that only profit the lawyers. DNA evidence has virtually eliminated any doubt. One appeal with one year to accumulate sufficient evidence to reverse the sentence is adequate.

If you are in possession of a gun illegally or convicted of a gun-related crime, you get 25 years with no appeal.

Nationally standardized sentences would resolve concerns over race, wealth and friendships that unbalance the scales of justice.

Another way to enhance the deterrent would be to make time in prison a little more spartan. Get rid of cable/satellite TV, weight rooms, phones. Prisoners need to work for their room and board. Prisons should not be provided comforts that convicts did not experience on the outside, nor should they have it better than our homeless veterans. Make prison an onerous time that criminals do not want to experience again.

We have lost our way. Fix this problem, and the number of shootings will go down dramatically.

Bill Kuttruff

This story was originally published January 9, 2016 at 7:47 PM with the headline "Letter: Many better ways to deter violent crime."