Pubdate: Wed, 06 Oct 2004
Source: San Diego Union Tribune (CA)
Copyright: 2004 Union-Tribune Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.uniontrib.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/386
Note: Does not print LTEs from outside it's circulation area.
Author: Harold Tolson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/props.htm (Ballot Initiatives)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion)
Note: Headline provided by newshawk

WHAT THE EDITORIAL ABOUT PROPOSITION 66 DIDN'T SAY

What the editorial about Proposition 66 didn't say is that it provides for 
resentencing in a court of law, not a wholesale release of felons. At such 
hearings, district attorneys have an opportunity to recharge or make 
additional charges to support their original conviction.

The figure of 26,000 violent criminals being released onto the streets is 
totally and patently false. There are only 4,100 nonviolent, nonserious 
third strikers in prison right now, and not all of them will be 
resentenced. The initiative does not provide resentencing to the larger 
"second strike" population; it requires the state to resentence offenders 
currently serving an indeterminate life sentence if their third strike 
resulted from a conviction for a nonviolent and nonserious felony offense. 
Murderers, arsonists, rapist, kidnapers and child molesters will still be 
in prison for life.

Yes on Proposition 66 is the right thing to do.

HAROLD TOLSON

La Mesa