While everyone was focusing on The Donald’s victory and marijuana legalization, I was turned to the passing of prop 57 in California’s court. Governor Jerry Brown’s prop 57 allows the court to give early release to those prisoners convicted of “nonviolent” crimes which I am absolutely fine with in an effort to control overpopulation of California prisons. The issue I have here is the classification of nonviolent crimes. According to the court of law the below list is just a small portion of “nonviolent” crimes;
- Rape by intoxication
- Rape of an unconscious person
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Lewd acts with minors
- Discharging a firearm on school grounds
- Arson
- Hate crime causing physical injury
- Domestic violent involving trauma
- Attempting to explode a bomb at a hospital or school
- Gang involvement
- Kidnapping
You really want to tell me that these aren't violent? Are you kidding me?
I dare you to look these victims in the face and tell them that what happened to them wasn't violent.
How dare you have the audacity to tell these women, men, and children that regardless of what happened, this piece of paper says it wasn't violent so their perpetrators are now free.
Now listen Jerry Brown I hear you, and I understand your efforts and for that I must applaud you but first you need to look at the long term effects besides the money.
Take a step back and look what you have just allowed the California voters to do. I don't think you understand what you've done. Look at the list above. Do you really want these criminals running rampant in your neighborhoods? Do you really think this will solve anything?
And furthermore, prop 57 allows state government to reduce sentences for “good behavior” regardless of the previous crime committed (rape, murder, etc.).
Remember Brock Turner? Yeah, we all do. Here’s California courts trying to cover their asses. Do we really want more Brock Turner’s in the world?
Sixty-four percent of California voters voted “yes” to release these harmful criminals out in their own communities. Would you rather pay a little more in tax to keep these criminals in or live next door to a Brock Turner?
Ask yourself that and get back to me.
The second the proposition was passed; sixteen thousand dangerous criminals were almost immediately released.
Good job, California. I hope you’re happy with your decision.