California three strikes law faces Supreme Court review
Editorial cautions that California s three strikes rule may mock justice as it faces a Supreme Court challenge. It notes the harsh 25 years to life for nonviolent third felonies and cites cases of a heroin addict shoplifting videos and a crack addict with AIDS theft of golf clubs. It recalls Prop 184 and widespread use nationwide, arguing punishments may far outpace crimes and could backfire if struck down or narrowed.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
California
U.S. Supreme Court
Christian Science Monitor
Antonin Scalia
Supreme Court
The Gazette Letters Policy Stresses Publicness and Contact Details
The Gazette invites letters and guest columns addressing public business. Submissions must include the writer’s full name, signature, full street address and daytime phone. addresses are not published. No anonymous letters. 300 word limit not enforced. one letter per writer per 30 days. column length about 650 words. delivery options include mail, fax, and email.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
the Gazette
Cedar Rapids
Iowa
Gazettecommunications.com
What would Jesus drive and the green faith call
Bob Gronski and Jenna Higgins Freese urge readers to choose cleaner, fuel efficient cars to curb emissions. They cite faith traditions urging stewardship, cite IPCC temp rises, and propose actions: reduce trips, buy efficient vehicles, advocate with automakers, support higher mpg standards, and contact officials. They note Iowa leaders’ involvement in Ecumenical Ministries of Iowa.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
United States
Intergovernmental Panel On Climate Change
Webofcreation.org
Iowa
U.S. Senate
God
America
U.S
Jesus
Ford
General Motors
Chrysler
ProtectingCreation.org
Bob Gronski
Des Moines
National Catholic Rural Life Conference
Jenna Higgins-Freese
Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center
Hiawatha
Ecumenical Ministries of
Adopter questions humane society fees for small dog
A reader of The Gazette questions adopting costs for small dogs, noting a pension limited budget and suggesting the humane society would rather euthanize than place a dog in a good home. The letter discusses fees such as shots and neutering and argues for more affordable options.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
The
Humane Society
Track down the killers
Hamza Omar’s Nov 3 column is criticized for missing the point as he suggests Islam is a victim while the 3000 plus people killed in the World Trade Center, Pennsylvania crash, and Pentagon gun down are the real victims. The writer urges justice and action by America. Cedar Rapids columnist Gary C Young comments.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Hamza Omar
America
World Trade Center
Pennsylvania
Pentagon
United States
Gary C. Young
Cedar Rapids
War quotes from Civil War generals urge antiwar view
Jay Miller of Hills argues on Veterans Day that supporting war shows spiritual blindness. He cites Gen Lee and Gen Sherman, noting Lee’s lament on families torn apart and happiness lost, and Sherman’s claim that war’s glory is moonshine and only the wounded bear the costs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Robert E. Lee
Chuck Larson Wins Iowa Senate Seat in 19th District
A supporter praises Chuck Larson for honesty and dedication to education in the 19th District race. The letter notes his positive agenda focus, minimal negative advertising, and belief he will effectively serve the community and its schools.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tom
Iowa
Senate
Chuck Larson
Chuck
Dear Abby Letter on Videos and America's Image Abroad
A reader questions why U S videos distort women and suggests foreign perceptions of America. The letter argues that TV shows and films misrepresent American life and wonders if restricting abroad viewings or replaying old wholesome programs could improve impressions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
America
Hitler
Saddam Hussein
Road fix up on the cheap in Linn County protest
Linn County residents along Abbe Hills Road and Smyth Road report rough muddy conditions and hazardous yellow material slung by county trucks. They urge supervisors to stop frequent spreading of inferior gravel and instead use quality rock less often to reduce road damage and maintenance costs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Linn County
Abbe Hills Road
Smyth Road
Also Mentioned on This Page
Wark Bond
Jerry Eleen
Beate Swenson
By Bob Gronski and
Ving
Killers
William Tecumseh Sherman
Hell
Jay Miller, Hills
Abby
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