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Respecting the rights of all means that I respect your right not to eat meat or to eat meat from a supermarket and not to hunt. I expect the same respect.
Democrats' health bills depend on forcing individuals to buy insurance or face severe fines or imprisonment.
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Andrew Cline has been editorial page editor of the New Hampshire Union Leader since October of 2001. His writing has appeared in more than 100 newspapers and magazines, including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and National Review.Stephen Monier: Dealing with crimes we may never understand
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Reader commentsThe recent killings that rocked several New Hampshire communities caused many families to question whether our cities, towns and homes can ever be safe from violence. Even with my four decades of law enforcement service, understanding the wanton, violent and senseless attacks, which left a Mont Vernon mother dead and her young daughter critically injured, is beyond difficult; it's hard to wrap your head around.
Police officers will tell you that when perpetrators are asked why they've done a particular thing, many will respond "I don't know." More often than not, they're telling the truth. While determining motive is a useful investigative tool, it's fortunate we don't have to prove motive in a criminal trial. Were it to be otherwise, justice would almost never be served because at a basic level our most reprehensible crimes are nearly impossible to understand.
Certainly, there are common factors that need to be addressed: children who are raised by their peers instead of their parents; a pop culture that inures young people to violence; the prevalence and abuse of alcohol and drugs; domestic abuse; and the seeming inability of society to say "we're not going to tolerate it anymore." All these things are at play, but understanding a particular act at a particular time committed by these particular individuals often eludes us.
Many young people who do stupid things are good kids who make mistakes. Responsible and caring adults, concerned police officers and a fair and sensible judicial system often save them from a life of crime. But some individuals are simply, at their core, so pathological and the acts they commit so reprehensible that we can only deal with their conduct. These individuals must simply be locked away.
Are we helpless in the face of violence? Can we feel safe again in our homes and communities? The answers are that we're never helpless in the face of violence, and we can and should feel safe if we take reasonable steps to protect ourselves and help our neighbors.
Manchester Police Chief David Mara was absolutely correct when he said that the police can't do it alone. We all have a responsibility to ourselves and to each other. If you see something or know something, report it. Join a Neighborhood Watch group; stay involved with your children; mentor young people; take part in civic activities in your community and be a role model for others.
You can, and should, take steps to make your home more secure. If you like dogs and are prepared to care for them properly, rescue one of man's best friends. They'll return the favor and help watch over your family. Keep an eye on your neighbors' homes and ask them to do the same. Lock your doors at night and when you're away. Call the police if something just "doesn't seem right." Discuss emergency plans with your family.
Should you buy a gun? Only if you're prepared to be properly instructed in its use, train with it, handle it safely and take steps to keep it secure. If not, don't bother.
Every day in New Hampshire, people work to make a difference in the lives of others. Scores of individuals join with their neighbors to make our cities and towns better places to live, work and raise a family. You can be one of them.
Finally, we should all remember that while we have the same sorts of crimes here that other places do, we are still the safest state in the nation. When we learn a heinous crime has taken place, we are all shocked, angry, frustrated and saddened. And that, I submit, is a good thing.
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Stephen Monier's last day as U.S. marshal for New Hampshire is tomorrow.
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YOUR COMMENTS
Sue in Manchester - You've got to be kidding if you're trying to equate the Mont Vernon murder with the arrest of the Browns. The Browns are tax evaders among other things. They broke the law and are now paying the penalty. Arresting the Browns was not "inexcusable" as you claim. It was the right thing to do. What was inexcusable was the Browns' tax evasion and their attempt to avoid prosecution. Any by the way, the Browns were not unable to pay their taxes. They simply chose to refuse to pay them.
- Brian, Farmington
Sue, Manchester must be a free state freak, to selectively omit that the Browns threatened to kill the families of law enforcement.
- David Goss, Manchester
According to a Nielson study, children between the ages of 2-5 yrs old spend 32 hrs a week in front of the idiot box. Remember this the next time you plop Jr in front of the TV instead of reading to them or spending time with them outside of the TV room. Or the next time you read about teenagers committing terrible acts. Ray Bradbury's novel, Fahrenheit 451 was not to far off...
- Kyle, Bedford
Chief Monier did very well for the Town of Goffstown, and Marshall Monier did very well for the State of NH. You can now retire and be very satisfied that you served us extremely well. Of course, in retirement you could still serve us by doing some Public Access shows talking about your experiences, and what you have learnt over the years dealing with what you have dealt with. you are always welcomed and encouraged to stop in to GTV any night. We would welcome your experience with open arms.
- Richard Gagnon, Goffstown
I too was shocked by what these kids did. Was there even something to steal from these people? It made no sense.
On the other hand, there was no excuse to arrest and torture two elderly people in Plainfield for not being able to pay their mafia dues to the IRS.... that was inexcusable.
- Sue, Manchester
Marshal thank you for you service, dedication, pride and integrity throughout your career as a Police Officer, Chief and Marshal in this great state we live in. You have served well in Law Enfocement and as a United States Marine. Best wishes to you and your family. And again THANK YOU !!!
- JJ Manchester, Manchester
Thank you for your perspective and your service. Well stated.
- Rich, Mont Vernon
Finally an Op Ed that points out the obvious that people in the communites need to understand. Sometimes when a crime is commited by "everyday" people, there isn't a reason and the perpertators "don't know why" I'm OK with that. But some folks in society are not. They have to blame someone or something which is just crazy. Bring in all the experts and they'll say "broken family", "listened to heavy metal" "alcohol" or whatever. Sometimes we don't know why and just maybe they are telling the truth, can't we just live with that?
- Sydney, Londonderry
Another thing the police chief could have added to his statement would be reminding people of their second amendment right. For all their good work the police can not stop such crimes ever and ones first and best line of defense are them selves. The key word being defense as in not the aggressor and vast majority of gun owners fall into that category.
It is everyone’s right to have the ability to defend themselves yet more time, money, and energy is spent trying to take this right away from the good citizen when in my view it should be spent teaching proper firearm training. As someone who was once mugged in my youth I can assure you most people will just watch it happen and by the time the police arrive the deed is over with.
Take my advice or take the advice of those who think more gun laws will stop criminals. The older I get the less ability I have of defending myself and become the perfect victim for those seeking the weak. I like knowing I have an edge or am at least on equal footing by exercising my second amendment right.
- Deb, Derry
Congratulations on a Job Well Done.
- James Ross, N. Fort Myers, Florida 33917
The article is right about buying a gun, only if you are prepared to be instructed in its use. Also the Govenor needs to sign the Castle Doctrine. Yesterday in Boston an off duty Security Gaurd killed a criminal attempting to murder a Doctor (probably an anti gunner, the doctor). Law enforcement can only do so much. When seconds count, count on Smith & Wesson.
- Michael King, Epping
Thank you Steve, for many years of top notch work, in Law enforcement. Your excellent work record, will be sorely missed, in our great state. God epeed & God Blesss. Joe.
- Joe Perry, Goffstown, N. H.
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