Violent criminals must stay in prison.

• Author: Levy, David A.
• Position: The United States of Violence: A Special Section - Cover Story

Convicted felons who have violated Federal firearms laws should have their sentences doubled.

The most basic function of government is to protect law-abiding citizens in their homes and communities. Without such safeguards in place, civilized society will falter, causing ordinary people to become prisoners in their own homes, and forcing them to protect themselves against criminals.

Today, more communities are living in fear of violent crime. While the U.S. hasn't reached the point of anarchy, criminals seem more willing than ever to risk prosecution. The reason is that, even if they are caught, they re unlikely to be punished severely. In short, despite what we were told in school, crime does pay.

Americans have been failed miserably by a 30-year social experiment in criminals justice which perceives criminals as victims of societal ills that allegedly drive them to commit heinous acts against other people. Since 1960, the number of violent crimes committed in the U.S. has increased by more than 500%, although the population has grown just 41%. According to the FBI, nearly 2,000,000 violent crimes occurred in 1991 alone. In 1960, that figure was less then 300,000.

In New York State, the surge in violent crime has propelled people to demand reinstatement of the death penalty. Yet, despite the fact that an overwhelming majority of voters and state legislators favor capital punishment, Gov. Mario Cuomo has vetoed every death penalty measure put before him.

Frustrated by Cuomo's insistence upon ignoring New York voters' appeals for tough action on violent crime, I introduced the Violence with Firearms Prevention Act of 1994 with the support of the entire New York Republican Congressional delegation. This measure would impose the death penalty on many criminals who kill with a firearm acquired in another state.

Under the proposal, those who transport firearms across state lines for unlawful purposes are subject to imprisonment for up to 20 years and may be fined. Penalties are more severe for subsequent convictions. In the event of a crime in which someone is injured, the prison term may be increased to 30 years. If a fatality results, the bill requires a life sentence or the death penalty, depending on the circumstances. Probationary or suspended sentences are prohibited, as is the imposition of concurrent sentences.

The proposed legislation, I believe, is bu one step Congress must take to restore the confidence of the American public to live...