Too bad the Unitarians don't have as much "compassion" for the victims of violent crime as they do for the perpetrators. Too bad they joined with racialist and prisoners rights groups in reactionary leftwing opposition to this public safety legislation. This statement was released yesterday by Mr. Les Gosule, father of murder victim Melissa: "My daughter, Melissa Gosule of Jamaica Plain, was tied to a tree, raped and murdered by a career criminal who had been recently released after serving just two years on his 27 violent felony convictions. "The pending "3-strikes" or habitual offender legislation is also known as "Melissa's Bill" after my daughter. "Here's the list of violent felonies targeted by the Mass. habitual offender bill: http://3strikeslaw.blogspot.com/search/label/ListFelonies "As you can see, there is not one drug offense, misdemeanor, or non-violent felony on the list. The Mass. bill narrowly targets the very worst, most dangerous, repeat violent felons. It is nothing like California's law. "Dominic Cinelli was released on parole despite his 74 violent felony convictions, including 3 life sentences, when he murdered Woburn police officer John Maguire. These are not isolated incidents. Some 40% of violent offenders in Massachusetts go on to commit new crimes after release, despite all the "rehabilitation" and reentry programs. "Can anyone seriously argue that such dangerous career criminals shouldn't be locked up for longer to protect our public safety?" This bill is going to be enacted. The Unitarians should advise the criminally inclined to refrain from committing murder, arson, armed robbery, rape, etc if they want to avoid serving the longer sentences.