To the editor:

Appalling that the “new norm” in America to achieve fame is to be a killer with mass shootings, be it at schools,malls, grocery stores, churches, ballgames and parades. No longer can a family attend any special event without gunfire to wound many and kill others. When will this insanity end despite the hoards of police and security in trying to keep everyone safe to celebrate events in peace and joy. 

Short-staffed police departments are swamped daily with new cases as they struggle to do their jobs, make felony arrests, only to have judges put the criminals back on the streets with probation to commit more crime. 

Why is the court system so lax in executing severe punishments to all committing felonies, no matter age? Kids from 12 into young adulthood are stealing cars and hijacking vehicles with children inside, all of which is grand theft auto and kidnapping. As a mob, they are raiding retailers to steal thousands of dollars worth of items, then killing people, yet the court system ignores to give probation. With no fear of consequences at any time, crime is repeated. One can’t even walk down a sidewalk but to have a kid wave a gun in one’s face to do harm and rob. 

If consequences were enforced, the crime rate would drop and be less of an epidemic. Since 16 and 17 year olds are now allowed to pre-register to vote, ship them off to boot camp to learn discipline and a work ethic with the National Guard or the Marines. At least they would be serving their country in a positive manner. 

Likewise with the rest, get them to work in the communities in a variety of ways: help crews clean up road ditches, parks,litter everywhere per city, work with landscape crews. clean up waterways or serve their neighbors in “soup kitchens” to give unselfish joy back to the communities. 

If discipline and responsibility were instilled into kids their whole lives: we wouldn’t have spoiled brats running around with guns blazing to commit felonies simply because they are bored with nothing positive to do but inflict terror on the innocents,Get the assault rifles out of the public’s hands for the military to use. 

Wake up, America.

Karen Kettner

Sleepy Eye