John Graham, Graduate student, Redmond

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"Yes. Primarily, I think that of all the heinous crimes a person could commit, a sexual offense has the most devastating potential, and those people need to be put away. One morning, Ken Shram on KOMO proposed a 'two strikes, you're out' program. I'd support that for sex crimes."

Karen Hasslinger, Homemaker, Bellevue

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"That's a difficult question... I think I do. I don't see any reason why they should be running around abusing people. I'm against the death penalty, but I do think people who abuse other people in such a serious way should be restrained in prison. And I do think they ought to have mental help. And I'm one of those people who'd be willing to pay for it with my tax dollars."

Robert Akers, Financial analyst, Kirkland

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"I would say that I support long prison sentences not for just a sexual offender, but for anybody who commits a serious crime. But the sentence length should be based on each case -- it should be justified by the crime. I think the real solution is not just saying 'yeah, a long sentence for a rapist', but looking at what judges are doing negotiating away long sentences than what may be appropriate. Those judges, and do-gooder attorneys, are the problem. Their legal maneuvering makes a mockery out of the system because nobody cares what's right or wrong."

Gail Hasenoehrl, Mom and home-schooler, Redmond

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"I think that they shouldn't be out running around. We had a little girl in our neighborhood who was abducted and molested. The man said he'd come back if she told anybody. She told, and he was put in prison. But a few years ago, they sent us a notice saying he'd been released. Now she has to live in fear that he might come back... I don't think we should have to live in fear. A slap on the hand is inadequate."

Jeff Chenoweth, Arbor care, Fall City

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"I'd say yes. But the big question would be if there was a fair trial. If they were wrongly accused, and locked up for a long time, it would be horrible... false accusations can be total nightmares. But if there was a fair trial, and they attempted rehabilitation and failed... a long-term sentence would be appropriate. It's a complicated topic. But a repeat offender who shows no sign of changing? Give them the most severe penalty."

Dan Talbott, High school student, Redmond

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"Personally, I tend to think it should be on a case-by-case basis. If a person showed no signs of regret or wanting to change, then I'd say yes. But if someone lived all of his life without even thinking of doing a sexual crime, and all of a sudden he's driven to do it -- because of psychological problems or whatever -- then that should be taken into account."

Copyright © 1995 by the Journal American newspaper, Bellevue, WA.

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