Dear Reader: H.E.G.I.C. is "Help End Guns In Crime". We are a group of people very concerned with the current level of unchecked gun use in our society. Although there are many aspects of this statement our group has focused on only the use of a gun in a crime or the illegal use of a gun to keep the discussion as clear and as simplistic as it can be. In today’s society of higher stresses and difficult times it becomes necessary to look at how our laws affect us all and consider changes to them that are fair and equitable to everyone. The unchecked use of guns in our society needs to be revisited for the safety and protection of all. Too many innocent bystanders are losing their lives and we believe H.E.G.I.C. has an approach that could work. We have reviewed many "repeat offender" laws in different states and don't think any of them offer the level of potential deterrence that H.E.G.I.C. does. They generally give the potential of a life sentence without parole after several strikes but it is not mandatory for the judge to use that option. We don't really like a life sentence either because we believe there is goodness in everyone. We do not support any type of mandatory minimum sentencing other than what we propose with this idea. It is however unrealistic to have mandatory sentencing for non-violent crime and not have it for illegal gun use. We believe a two year introduction and educational period and then a $100.00 fine and requiring the accused to repeat the statement read from the judge; "I AM AWARE THAT THE NEXT ARREST AND CONVICTION I HAVE RELATING TO THE ILLEGAL USE OF A GUN WILL PUT ME IN JAIL FOR 30 YEARS." (this function is to assure everyone, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the accused now knows for sure exactly what he is looking forward to in the event that he/she missed the 2 year educational period). A 30 year sentence after the first 2 year active (educational) period will become the standard mandatory penalty for the each offense and should actually be the deterrent needed to keep most people out of prison. During this 30 year detention the state must provide all types of intensive educational opportunities to assure as best they can that the individual is fully able to return to society and this MUST include a job. The Bastoy Prison in Norway is a template for what we would like to see done regarding incarceration. If the individual does not successfully return to society, subsequent sentences of 30 years would occur after the first 30 year sentence is complete and would be in a regular type detention facility if the individual doesn't change even though he/she is older and should be wiser in his/her ways. (more detail in the Position Paper). Through education about a new law like this, MANY LIVES WILL BE SAVED IN SEVERAL WAYS INCLUDING BOTH THE VICTIMS AND THE ASSAILANTS AS WELL AS INNOCENT BY-STANDERS. 1) SOME YOUNG PEOPLE WILL FIGURE THAT THIS LAW IS STRONG ENOUGH TO MAKE ME RETHINK CARRYING AN ILLEGAL GUN AND IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A GUN YOU ARE MUCH LESS LIKELY TO GET INTO A GUN FIGHT. 2) THE ASSAILANT WILL BE OFF THE STREET AND STILL ALIVE FOR 30 MORE YEARS WHEN CAUGHT. THERE WOULD BE MORE VICTIMS BY THE SAME ASSAILANT IF RELEASED UNDER WEAKER LAWS AND SOME WILL BE FATALITIES, (VICTIMS AND POSSIBLY THE REPEAT ASSAILANT AS WELL). 3) FEWER BAD PEOPLE ON THE STREETS WILL DEFINITELY LOWER OVERALL ILLEGAL USE OF A GUN ACTIVITY AND INCREASE THE FEELING OF SAFE AND SECURE STREETS IN OUR CITIES. With this approach it is reasonable to believe that some bad people's lives will be saved as well. The thoughts and ideas expressed here are free for anyone to use as they see fit to help improve the overall situation around gun violence. We as a group have no proprietary claim to any of the ideas and hope they will stimulate discussion and eventual action for change. Please feel free to forward our website to all interested people including local, state and national legislators and government officials. We just want to elevate the discussion around this issue, save lives and reduce the terror so many feel in our cities today. If after reading our position paper which is a continuing work in progress, (so please stop back from time to time and visit) you might like to be kept informed of our group’s effort and contribute ideas. Please sign up by sending a request and your contact information to [email protected] We would love to have you aboard and become more directly involved. Robert A. (Bob) Biehn; Spokesperson |