Writer disagrees with editor on sentence for teenager

Dear Editor,

While I typically agree with most of your editorials, I whole-heartedly disagree with yours dated Sept. 13 regarding the proposed sentence for Karli Brown.

This girl is responsible for the death of two young boys who will never get to experience the joys of life. To permit her to walk the streets would be a tremendous disservice to their memories and lives lost.

More importantly perhaps is the message this sends to not only our youth, but adults as well.

Her actions were reckless and disregarded the welfare of her fellow citizens. As a result of that carelessness, she caused the death of two people. We can’t have people believing this kind of behavior will go unchecked.

There has to be a reaction to this action. Perhaps not as severe, but there must be something.

You suggested she be sent to area schools and warn the students there about what can happen if they drive recklessly. However, I doubt the effectiveness of that in preventing similar accidents.

Again though, that certainly would seem like a very light sentence considering the cause of her actions.

I have to wonder how differently you would feel if this were your children killed in the accident. Has anyone bothered to ask the boys’ mother what she wants done to this girl?

For some reason, I doubt you did before writing your column.

I’m not saying this girl should spend the rest of her life in prison. However, a little time behind bars might be an appropriate reality check for someone who based on their actions, didn’t recognize how dangerous her decisions can be to those around her.

Perhaps we could agree to compromise and this girl could be given a lighter prison sentence and released periodically to go talk at schools. Imagine how much more effective her message would be if she were in a prison jumpsuit and handcuffs!.

Submitted by,
Lana Riley
Red Oak