Editor,
I've spent two and a half years of my life through seven deployments in the Middle East, or greater Middle East, and I can't hardly sleep in my own bed. Not because I have PTSD, but because on March 19, two punks kicked in my door while I was at work and stole most anything of value I owned. They sold quite a few of the valuables and were so proud of themselves that they decided to rob someone else. They were caught.
Enter the court, where my first experiences tell me a couple things. 1) Everyone involved is numb to it because there are so many criminals who get processed. 2) Crime is O.K. When I say O.K. I don't mean I condone it. I mean that people who commit crimes can expect little to no punishment. First time offender? Don't worry at all because chances are your case will be treated as though this is the last time you will do something like this. Never mind whether or not this just happens to be the first time your were caught, or if you didn't give up information as to where some of the most valuable items ended up. You're still someone who the society deems as one who can be suddenly better.
With my Social Security card, birth certificate, and discharge paperwork, I will be worrying the rest of my life whether my identity is in danger of being stolen. The people in custody never once offered information as to where those items lie, and yet I will constantly worry for ever more.
Unfortunately the judicial system just seems to see those types as mere first offenders and as such they can somehow become valuable members of society.
Can someone please tell me where the regret for their actions comes into play? Since when did a get-out-of-jail-free card become standard? We genuinely need to re-think our judicial process and its effectiveness. I honestly don't feel that justice will be done and two thieving cowards who know nothing of honor and respect, have made me, a seasoned veteran, nervous in my own home.
Clint Zang
Ogden
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