The Former Traveling Spotlight

The tales of a "30" something gay former stand-up comic living in NYC who is searching for his soul mate or soul...which ever comes first.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Vindication

Recently, two elderly women were mugged in queens. The assailant, a male beat both of them after taking their purses and any cash they were carrying. The first woman was injured fairly badly, and the second woman was beat while a security camera taped the whole incident. The assailant has still not been caught, but if he is, the assault carries a potential sentence of up to one year in jail.

A year in jail for beating up an 80 year old woman outside her apartment door? It doesn't seem fair. This woman is not going to be able to sleep alone for a very long time because of the fear she is living with. Of course, community outrage will push legislators to change the laws and increase the sentences, but I still wonder what is the appropriate penalty.

These two women are the ones in prison now. Afraid to leave their apartments, these women are the ones suffering. So maybe sentencing laws need to change. How about letting the victim of a crime decide the sentence length of the guilty party? Shouldn't the victim have a right to feel real closure.

Patrick - 1:48 PM -

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