Daniel Inouye: “the United States of America finds itself in the grip of a terror, called street violence, with which it feels powerless…”

“the United States of America finds itself in the grip of a terror, called street violence, with which it feels powerless to cope. This feeling of powerlessness has resulted in frustration and helplessness turned to rage; a rage that is manifested in a national get tough policy that includes stricter enforcement of laws, tougher sentences, placing 100,000 police officers on the street, and establishing boot camps for youthful offenders. I believe such measures are an important step toward sending a clear message to criminals and would-be criminals that our society will not tolerate their behavior. However, we must also begin to look beyond the criminal act itself and ask, ``What are the conditions that turn a human being into a violent predator? It is time that we take a good hard look at ourselves, and start to find some answers to that question before we destroy our Nation's greatness. In our present frame of mind, we look only at the act and respond by punishing it. Logically, if punishment was the answer then we should see crime and violence drying up. But that is not the case. It is time that we stop reacting only to acts of violence and begin to look at the humanity of the perpetrator. When we can do that we may begin to unlock the door that will help both perpetrators and their victims find a decent life that is free from fear.”