Penal system offers punishment, not hope
Regarding Bruce Heggen’s July 28 letter “Where’s the hope for inmates now?”:
The state of North Carolina doesn’t offer hope or help to any inmate. The court system here, along with law enforcement, convicts and then condemns anyone who gets off on the wrong foot ó or strays in any manner. The golden rule doesn’t apply here. The motto of our courts, lawyers, law enforcement etc. is “do unto others before they do unto you.”
How much less expensive to us taxpayers is the cost of rehabilitation versus the cost of detention? Duh!? There is hope in rehab. Every one of these Planning Board people should have to spend one day (or half a day) in detention to get a taste of what it’s like ó and the hopelessness therein.
People in law enforcement, on official committees, etc., should realize that: “There, but for the grace of God, go we all.”
When you get released, Mr. Heggen, go knock on doors and see how many of these board members will give you a place to stay while you get your life back.
ó Lee Kennedy
Mocksville
Safety makes sense
I am addressing the subject of common sense. Everyone has it, but why do they not use it when the time comes to do so?
Such as: During a structure fire, a medical emergency or vehicular accident, people’s curiosity blocks roadways and prevents firefighters and ambulances from getting to their destinations.
People do not realize they are delaying the rescue of a possible trapped person (or persons) in a house or other type of structure fire by blocking firetrucks from getting to the fire. Motorists prevent ambulances from getting to a vehicle accident or medical emergency when they don’t get out of the way to let them pass by.
If people would use their common sense, maybe more lives could be saved. For instance: When an ambulance with siren blaring and lights flashing is coming toward you on the highway, move your vehicle to the curb as fast and as safely as you can. During a fire, stay out of the way and move on to your intended destination. It is better to read about it in the next day’s newspaper. It would be a lot safer for everyone and would not cause a traffic jam or the risk of more accidents.
When people act like dumb jerks during emergency situations, they endanger their own as well as others’ lives. People need to wake up and use the common sense God has given to all of us.
Have a blessed day.
ó Ellie Mae Lambert
Salisbury