Letters: We're too soft on criminals

IS THERE any political body attuned to the epidemic of violent crime in this country? We seem to be enamored with the deaths of entertainment (MJ, Patrick Swayze) but mostly oblivious to the storekeepers or police officers.

Even more appalling is the prevalence of repeat offenders who have a history of crime leading up to their climactic masterpiece that claims a life - or two.

Defendants sit in court and snicker at the charges in the faces of victims' families. We don't have the right to take a life, so there is virtually no death penalty. (The criminals didn't get that memo.)

It's sad to live in a society that witnesses violent massacres in every location (schools, churches, arenas and military bases), yet continues to pacify the perpetrators via soft sentences, appeals and no threat of the ultimate consequence.

The death penalty is the only "chemotherapy" for the cancerous violence in America.

It may even lead to restoring the economy. Some offenders don't merit the $98 a day it takes to house them. We also pay for the emergency treatment for the gangsters and drug dealers who have no insurance but can't be denied care.

Walter Collins II, Philadelphia

We should strike SEPTA

We the people who did not receive raises or bonuses last year and will not receive them this year should ourselves strike SEPTA.

We the people had to pay the increased costs of health insurance, electric, gas, water and groceries this year on last year's no-increase-of-income.

Now that SEPTA employees have returned, maybe we should go out for at least a day.

If we survived the 1983 108-day strike or the seven-day strike in 2005, we can survive a one-day strike on SEPTA.

Let's all call in sick because of SEPTA. Wonder how much money they will lose? All in favor say, "We!"

Cheryl Jackson, Philadelphia