Everyone's Opinion Newsletter

I am compelled to agree with most of the argument Tom presented in his piece last month. In my 22 years of law enforcement I was never presented with any incidents where I was outgunned by assault weapons. I believe the majority of incidents in the larger cities where weapons are used a handgun is the predominant choice among criminals.

An assault weapon in certain instances is becoming the preferred choice in the criminal world for its high rate of fire.

I would be in favor of seeing a drop in the import of cheap assault weapons coming from Eastern European countries and China. I saw at a local store in Altoona I could buy an AK-47 derivative for around $300.00. These weapons fire a high velocity round which if modified can be very effective and sustain a high rate of fire. The average citizen normally doesn't have a requirement for this type of firearm. Most law enforcement that I know is equipped with semi-automatic not automatic type of firearms.

I agree with Toms argument that the five year mandatory minimum is rarely if ever used anymore as a sentencing tool. This is a failure of our judicial system.

The case of Mumia Abu Jamal is an affront to law enforcement throughout the country. This subject was convicted not once but twice by juries who found he executed Officer Danny Faulkner on a Philadelphia street in the 1980's. The Hollywood elite have found his cause worthy though and now proclaim him to be a political prisoner, not the street thug and murderer that he truly is.

The reason I am in favor of the death penalty is not for retribution. The right of society to protect itself cannot be ignored. It is the duty of the State to protect its' citizens and in certain crimes whether it be cold blooded murder, murder of a police officer, or certain other heinous crimes, society has a right and duty to terminate the lives of these criminals. The argument that we can give them life doesn't resonate with me. There is always the chance be it even a remote one, that the subject could escape from prison and kill or harm someone again. Do we really want to risk that chance?

Thanks,

Eric Prendergast

Blair Township Supervisor