Published Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Zero tolerance: Crime against children

Would you want to be subjected to zero tolerance? Think about it. Any little mistake means automatic conviction, fine or jail time with no room for common sense.

No, you wouldn't want it, and you wouldn't stand for it. Then tell me why we are subjecting our children to this blatant miscarriage of justice, which we would never accept for ourselves?

The school and juvenile justice system sent my 13-year-old daughter to jail for 30 days for unintentionally bringing two pocket knives to school and voluntarily turning them in. No harm was done, nor was there any threat to another person yet she has to suffer, and apparently so are many other young people I'm finding out, as well.

It appears to me those in power have tried to make themselves feel better with no interest in the well-being of the children caught up in this brutal, unforgiving system of so-called justice.

An important footnote to this story is the intolerance and ridicule parents and children are subjected to in the juvenile court system in Coweta County. Shame on those who perpetuate this against those who vote and pay taxes, or are they so arrogant as to be unafraid of an apathetic population?

Whose interests are we trying to serve with zero tolerance, the children's or some legislator, school official or judge? My hope is that people will think seriously about these laws, be prompted to action and reintroduce common sense, fairness and compassion into our juvenile justice system.

John A. Strakose Jr.

Newnan