LETTERS

Re “Three-strikes sanity,” editorial, May 16

Once again, The Times editorializes in some way against the three-strikes law. I offer a differing opinion.

That some three-striker sits in prison for 25 years because he stole some tools from a tow truck matters not to me. This criminal had his chance after walking free following two serious felony convictions and prison terms. Theft is a crime -- to steal anything is against the law.

My thoughts are similar for any two-striker who commits any crime following release from prison.

Why do you think our crime rates are falling (or at least fail to rise)? It is most likely because hard-core criminals are in prison, where their only victims will be other prisoners or prison guards (to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude for taking on such dangerous work).

David H. Dolson

Valencia

The writer is a retired LAPD captain.

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You continue to misunderstand the intentions of decent citizens in passing the three-strikes law. After a third felony, we are no longer concerned about proportional punishment, but in permanently removing habitual criminals from civil society.

Jeff McCombs

La Palma