October 11, 2006
Wednesday

As a young person growing up in Alaska, I at times found it hard to avoid the temptation I was surrounded by, but was always taught to think before making a decision. In reading your letter it seems that you think our main problem is the legal consequence of breaking a law. I don't understand your logic.

From day one, parents (are supposed to) teach their children that there are and will always be consequences for behaviors considered unacceptable. As we age, our parents are replaced by employers and law enforcement agents as disciplinarians. So being well aware of legal drug and alcohol restrictions, wouldn't one try to avoid them?? I don't think it is unfair in any way to say "This is a law, if you violate it, these are the consequences." Laws don't force people to drink or bring drugs to school. Young people making poor choices do, and it is the community's job (not to mention parent's) to guide our "future leaders" in ways that will teach them to make sound decisions, rather than baby them when they are angry about getting caught. Many laws act as deterrents, and when they don't, the punishment received is meant to be a constant reminder of that violation. Basically, if people would listen in the first place, they wouldn't have to learn as many things "the hard way."

Another comment you made was about "...back[ing] a dog into a corner..." First of all, I like to think (and maybe I'm being generous here) that humans are more capable of using common sense than dogs are. Secondly, a well raised dog would not attack when backed into a corner, rather it would submit unless provoked. Dogs can neither reason, nor think about how a felony could affect them later in life, but young adults don't have that excuse.

My one last comment is this: revoking the PFD from a person who ends up in jail is in no way teaching them "to sit in jail and not be productive," it makes them have to work that much harder because they didn't get their free money. When someone makes the wrong choice, they should have to pay for it. Earning your way through the world gives you character, and if every teenager on the island could just "drink for the high" with no fear of a consequence, I believe whole heartedly that our existing drug and alcohol problem would be significantly worse.

Our focus should be on reducing drug use and binge drinking in youth rather than lessing the severity of their punishments. Tough love is hard for a reason, and that is because it works.

Kristin Fahey
Ketchikan, AK



Received October 11, 2006 - Published October 11, 2006

About: " A 20 year old student and full-time worker who has lived in SE Alaska for over 16 years."

Related Viewpoint:

Police and law enforcement in Ketchikan By Vicky Newlun - Ketchikan, AK

 

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