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Article: Violent criminals must stay in prison. (The United States of Violence: A Special Section) (Cover Story)
- Article from:
- USA TODAY
- Article date:
- May 1, 1994
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1994 Society for the Advancement of Education. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Convicted felons who have violated Federal firearms laws should have their sentences doubled.
The most basic function of government is to protect law-abiding citizens in their homes and communities. Without such safeguards in place, civilized society will falter, causing ordinary people to become prisoners in their own homes, and forcing them to protect themselves against criminals.
Today, more communities are living in fear of violent crime. While the U.S. hasn't reached the point of anarchy, criminals seem more willing than ever to risk prosecution. The reason is that, even if they are caught, they re unlikely to be punished severely. In short, despite ...