Pubdate: Mon, 03 Nov 2003
Source: Charleston Gazette (WV)
Copyright: 2003 Charleston Gazette
Contact:  http://www.wvgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/77
Author: Simon McClure

STATE LAWS FAIL TO KEEP PEOPLE SAFE

Editor:

So the state realizes in the case of the Kanawha County triple murders
that it must cough up a large reward to find the murderer. Is this not
actually an indictment of the state's inability to do its job? There
are other multiple murders in my community that have not been
satisfactorily solved, but no reward offered.

How many millions do taxpayers spend in this state for protection and
investigations?

We have a choice. We can continue to spend massive amounts of money on
the drug war and tracking down speeding vehicles and drunken drivers -
and then wonder why we do not have the money, skills and determination
to track down nasty criminals who have actually committed atrocious
crimes.

Or, West Virginia could give its limited money to the most competent
private investigators and bounty hunters. We would get far more
accountability from private enterprise than from the government.

Repeal laws that target citizens for victimless crimes. Repeal gun
laws which really only disarm victims. Shut down the ineffective state
monopoly on "protection" and auction off the state roads to private
concerns that can keep responsible customers safe by discriminating
against irresponsible drivers.

Simon McClure

Vice-chairman, W.Va. Libertarian Party

Bridgeport
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake