Open season

My blood started boiling when I read the front page of The Hays Daily News recently regarding the so-called "plea deal" with Mr. Escobedo -- mainly because it seems that the duty and life of a law enforcement officer is worth so little.

What message does this send to law enforcement and those who wish to do him or her harm? One can get more time for stealing a car than will Mr. Escobedo -- seventy-seven months, which is but six-years and five months.

There is no doubt a conviction could have been obtained for the more serious charge(s) plus other charges such as carrying a concealed weapon, having a gun, etc.

Law enforcement put their lives on the line every day for us and to allow some crazed illegal alien to attempt to murder a law officer then make a deal with him is a slap in the face to all law officers and no doubt a wound to the officer that Mr. Escobedo wanted to kill.

Mr. Escobedo is the perfect example of why we must enforce our southern border and pursue those that are here illegally.

I suspect the court will use the excuse that they just wanted a conviction, and for Mr. Escobedo to do some "easy" time here in Kansas, then be returned to Mexico.

This man will return once he is sent back home. And who will he killed then? Any more bloodshed because of Mr. Escobedo in the future will be on this court's hands.

The courts are the last resort to protect and support law enforcement. When they fail, then it will become open season on law officers.

The Rev. Ron Ely

Hays