We, the undersigned, contend it is imperative to the health, human rights and lives of all people of color and youth in Washington State that Legislative Bill 2712, An Act Relating to Criminal Street Gangs, is stopped immediately. Much of the bill is focused on enforcement and changing the laws to expand the penalties for actions that consist of what the bill defines as gang related activities. Increasing and harshening penalties is merely a symptomatic approach to the problem, and does not address the root causes of the disease of gang violence which includes:
- Poverty, lack of resources
- Racism, being physical, psychological, economic, etc., embedded into the institutions, systems and processes of this society
Stricter penalties will result in an increase in incarceration, putting the economic strain of funding more prisons and prisoners on all taxpayers. The bill is just another weapon that is being given to law enforcement to dominate and penalize the behavior of the oppressed and downtrodden.
We believe that the implications of this bill will be detrimental to the lives and health of our children. The money for social programs will be quickly exhausted, but the changes affecting law and enforcement may last for years to come. We ask that you veto bill 2712.
We, the undersigned, contend it is imperative to the health, human rights and lives of all people of color and youth in Washington State that Legislative Bill 2712, An Act Relating to Criminal Street Gangs, is stopped immediately. Much of the bill is focused on enforcement and changing the laws to expand the penalties for actions that consist of what the bill defines as gang related activities. Increasing and harshening penalties is merely a symptomatic approach to the problem, and does not address the root causes of the disease of violence which includes:
- Proliferation of weapons of mass destruction on the streets
- Poverty, lack of resources
- An economically viable drug economy
Stricter penalties will result in an increase in incarceration, putting the economic strain of funding more prisons and prisoners on all taxpayers. The bill is just another weapon that is being given to law enforcement to dominate and penalize the behavior of the oppressed and downtrodden.
We believe that the implications of this bill will be detrimental to the lives and health of our children. The money for social programs will be quickly exhausted, but the changes affecting law and enforcement may last for years to come. We ask that you veto bill 2712.
We thank you for taking the time to read and consider this letter.
