California Libertarians Endorse Proposition 66
The Libertarian Party of California recommends Californians vote in favor of Prop. 66, fixing the Three Strikes" law to serve both justice and economy
PANORAMA CITY, CA (PRWEB) October 7, 2004 -- The Libertarian Party of California urges California voters to vote yes" on Proposition 66, the initiative to fix the Three Strikes" law. While in favor of allowing increased sentences based upon previous criminal activity, the Libertarian Party of California recognizes, along with over two-thirds of Californians, that the Three Strikes" law should be amended so that its effect matches voters intent: locking up for good vicious repeat offenders who are convicted of serious or violent felonies without ensnaring petty criminals in unjust life sentences.
"The Three Strikes sentencing law should be reserved for violent criminals," said Judge Jim Gray, the Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate representing California. California is the only state that has a three strikes law without the protections afforded in Prop. 66. Never before in the history of this country has a life sentence been given for petty theft."
Currently, more than half of those convicted of a third offense under the 10-year old law are serving mandatory 25-year-to-life sentences for lesser crimes such as shoplifting or drug possession. There are three times more marijuana offenders incarcerated for a third strike as there are for robbery, murder and rape offenders combined. Others are serving life sentences for stealing a spare tire or shoplifting several packages of aspirin. Justice is not served by imposing penalties incommensurate with the crime committed.
The opponents of Prop. 66 are using blatantly false claims and scare tactics to confuse and intimidate the voters, with claims of tens of thousands being turned loose," said Gray, who was appointed by Gov. Deukmejian to the municipal court in 1983 and the superior court in 1989. No one receives a 'get out of jail free card' with Prop. 66. This proposal simply allows every one of the nonviolent cases that are found to be eligible to apply for a resentencing hearing that will be reviewed by District Attorneys and judges, who can impose new sentences based upon the new law and the post-conviction conduct of the defendant. From what I see as a trial court judge, the Three Strikes sentencing law is often inefficient and unduly rigid."
It is also prohibitively expensive.
According to the non-partisan Legislative Analyst, passage of Prop. 66 will save hundreds of millions of dollars each year. It costs $30,000-$70,000 annually to house each prison inmate; older prisoners generally having greater health-related costs.
Said Aaron Starr, chairman of the Libertarian Party of California, It is often said that the greatest deterrent to crime is old age. It makes no sense to pay what could easily amount to over a million dollars to keep an elderly prisoner locked up decade after decade for possession of drugs in his or her youth. It is estimated that in just the 10 years the three strikes law has been in effect, $6 billion has been wasted to incarcerate nonviolent petty criminals for life sentences."
Come Election Day, the Libertarian Party of California asks that all voters join them in restoring justice and saving tax dollars by voting yes" on Proposition 66 to fix Three Strikes.
About the Libertarian Party of California
Libertarians believe in individual freedom and personal responsibility.
The Libertarian Party of California has more than 50 public officeholders statewide and is running more candidates in California in the November general election than any other third" party.
Every Californian eligible to vote will find the Libertarian candidate for President (Michael Badnarik) Vice-President (Richard Campagna) and U.S. Senate (Judge James Gray) on their ballot. Many will also be able to vote for one or more of the 24 Libertarian candidates running for U.S. Congress, 12 for California Senate, 34 for California Assembly, or others running for local offices such as city council, school board or special district.
###
|
