The best and most effective way to curb gun violence (or crime in general) in the U.S. is to stop judges and prosecutors from returning the criminals to the streets to repeat their violent acts.

If criminals use any weapon to commit a crime, do not allow a plea bargain and sentence them to the maximum – up to and including the death penalty, with no chance of parole. They are entitled to a speedy trial.

If the criminal is deemed to be “unfit” for the trial due to mental status, commit them to the state institution for the criminally insane – for life – with no release.

Any official who willingly violates this law will be summarily removed from office for malfeasance in office with no chance of re-election or appointment for life.

If the criminal knows that he or she or they are going to receive the maximum for their crimes, the crime rate will decrease immediately and the law-abiding citizens will regain control of the country. Make it very clear to all: If you do the crime, you do the time.

Don’t try to penalize legitimate business for criminal crimes. Try and convict the perpetrators and leave the Constitution alone. Enforce the laws on the books and stop trying to rewrite the Constitution. The founding fathers knew what they were doing.

Talking accomplishes nothing … action speaks louder than words!

Respectfully,

William A. Hughes

Norton Springs Rd., Rock Island, TN