"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
Recently we aired an editorial about Repeat Offenders being one of the biggest problems in our community.
We asked you what you thought the solution was, and many of you responded.
One e-mail from 45 year old viewer Floyd Berry really summed up the frustration many feel. He writes:
"My two cents worth.....they just don't care and there is no punishment for their crimes.
Let's face it.
When we were growing up we were made to respect our parents and even in schools we got the paddle when we broke rules.
Now there is no discipline.
Words don't work.
They do a crime and we, carefully...respectfully, send them to a place where they can hang out with their friends (other thugs)...Plan other crimes with other criminals, watch TV, play cards, read books, have three meals a day, clean cloths, central ac/heat, no work, showers, (did I say no work!)"
Mr. Berry goes on to write:
"My solution? Make them work to pay for their stay. Hard work.
Real work.
Not that community service picking up cans on the side of the road.
Please, that is just a walk in the park.
Real work would be to give them a task and if it is not done 100% they get no credit, and they have to do it again.
Just like in the real world. Also bring back "eye for an eye" punishment.
Thanks for your response Mr. Berry. We invite the rest of you to Speak Out as well.
Because WBTV is "On Your Side," we encourage everyone to "Speak Out" – tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
