LETTERS: SEEKING JUSTICE

To the editor:

Morley Swingle, Cape Girardeau County prosecuting attorney, is not correct. Yes, it was a crime that Stephen Reed drove while intoxicated and killed Patricia Young. But he has failed at allowing the world to have justice. The better good for all would be forgiveness.

Mr. Reed must learn how to give back, how to understand why he chose to do what he did. He does all of this when he shows us his wrongdoings and rebuilds a better world. Maybe he will be the one who implements a program which focuses on the dysfunctional alcoholic family. If his work helps 100 people, why would Mr. Swingle try to stop him? In jail, he is making at least 100 people pay for his mistake.

Did Mr. Swingle ever ask himself why Hitler became so powerful? I believe Mr. Swingle has just showed us why.

Yes, I am an authority. I have lived the pain of a man in his truck hitting my son and changing his physical and mental well-being forever. Revenge is not the answer. It does not solve the problem. Forgiveness gives new meaning and hope.

The laws will change. Justice will be for the better good of all, not just Mr. Swingle's win in court.

COLLEEN GABRIEL

Cape Girardeau