‘On
Easter morning, 2011, the day began just like any other. I read the
news and called my Dad to tell him about an accident I’d read about. I’m
sorry to say that I’m horrible with names or I would have known, as I
was telling him, that I was reading about the death of my cousin and her
nineteen year old grandson.
While both were out
delivering newspapers in Janesville, another driver was legally
intoxicated by both alcohol and marijuana. He blew through a controlled
intersection and into the van carrying my relatives. The grandson died
nearly instantly and my cousin lived for several days, critically
injured, in the hospital. In addition to the two, their dog had perished
as well.
Severely injured, the driver at fault was
taken to a hospital, from where he escaped. It was obvious he didn’t
want to take responsibility for what he had done. He was caught and
returned to the hospital and then sent to jail, awaiting trial. We’d
lost family, but finally we thought that we would see justice.
Of the eleven counts the driver was
charged with, nine were dropped in a plea agreement. The prosecutor is
recommending no more than seven years incarceration for his taking of
both lives. Seven years. There are people in prison for far less who
will serve more time than him.
Look, I know the DUI laws in Wisconsin are
a joke. This morning another man was arrested in Janesville for his
fifth DUI. Fifth. How many lives were put at risk during the first four I
wonder? It’s time we demand more from our legislators, prosecutors, and
judicial system. Maybe we can’t bring back those we’ve lost, but
perhaps we can prevent any further loss of life.
James A. Long
Beloit
- Jim
