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| STOP THE NONSENSE! 2/6/2008 STOP THE NONSENSE!
Former Oregon Legislator and two-time gubernatorial candidate Kevin Mannix wants to stop the nonsense that allows kid-glove treatment for drug offenders and thieves in Oregon. He has garnered close to 150,000 signatures for a November initiative that would impose stiff new mandatory sentences for dealing or manufacturing methamphetamine and other hard narcotics and a host of property crimes, including identity theft, burglary, forgery and grand theft auto. And when Kevin Mannix talks crime, people listen. He is the author of Measure 11, the 1994 initiative that took violent offenders off the street and put them behind bars where they belong. Violent crime in Oregon has declined by 46% since then. Mannix’s new proposal would have a similar impact on drug and property crimes. In 2005, Oregon had the fourth highest rate of property crimes in the nation. There is no doubt that the new measure would deliver the same return on investment in public safety that Measure 11 has produced. The proposed initiative would put burglars and identity thieves on ice for a mandatory minimum of three years, both career criminals and novices alike. The same sentence would apply to drug dealers, no matter the amount. Naturally, Mannix’s idea has provoked a strong reaction from liberal Democrats on two fronts. They say that drug abusers need treatment, not prison time. We say that if you are selling hard narcotics, be prepared to pay the price. The other objection from the left is the cost. The state has a Criminal Justice Commission that says the Mannix proposal would increase inmate populations by 4,000 to 6,000 and cost as much as $200 million per year. Two things make these objections irrelevant. The first is the fact that commissions are appointed by the governor, and therefore take a jaundiced look at any proposal from the right that might make sense. The second is that Democrats complaining about costs of government operations is akin to Greeks bearing gifts. The wise would reject these complaints at face value. Naturally, the Democrats, spurred into action only by the looming presence of the Mannix proposal, have a plan of their own. It is a defense lawyer’s dream with nebulous costs and specifics and would maintain the status quo by requiring multiple convictions before a prison sentence is imposed. Many Oregon District Attorneys have rejected the basics as they understand them. As things stand today, the Beacon firmly supports Kevin Mannix in his fight against drug thugs and property crimes. There is no more helpless feeling than being a victim of these crimes. A compromise may yet by reached. But, when negotiating, Democrats must adopt the shocking concept that 150,00 Oregonians just may know what they are talking about. Author Name Depoe Bay Beacon - news@depoebaybeacon |
