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Jason Lewis on Crime
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Public order is not a privilege, it is a right
We are going to have some very bad consequences across the state if we continue down this perilous path of undercutting law enforcement and public order. Let me be clear about this: public order is not a privilege, it is a right. The need for public
order is why government was established in the first place, and it is what makes the liberties granted to us in the Constitution possible. As we descend into this free-for-all mob rule, we are undercutting the very function of government.
Source: 2020 Minnesota Senate campaign website LewisForMN.com
, Jul 8, 2020
Without public order, the mob will control the neighborhood
abandoned. This is the greatest abdication of responsibility I've seen in my lifetime, and the Democrats that control these cities have a lot to answer to. Without public order, the mob will control the neighborhood and with it your freedom.
For those calling to defund the police look no further than our own communities to see the consequences of anarchy. As rioters were destroying businesses, the police were given orders to stand down. This is what it looks like when public order is
Source: 2020 Minnesota Senate campaign website LewisForMN.com
, Jul 8, 2020
Don't second-guess the actions of police officers
Solving Social Unrest: While everyone supports equal justice for all, the violence in our cities and the attacks on law enforcement must stop. My wife was a St. Paul police officer for 7 years and my father-in-law is a retired police officer.
Consequently, I am keenly aware of the day-to-day pressures facing law enforcement--not the least of which includes split-second life and death decisions.
I do not think it's appropriate for those who have little understanding of such situations to second-guess the actions of police officers until all the evidence is in from a complete investigation.
Nor do I believe local leaders should be injecting race into elections for political expediency.
Source: 2016 Minnesota House campaign website JasonLewis2016.com
, Nov 8, 2016
End overcriminalization: focus on high risk offenders
Criminal justice reform is also needed and I support bipartisan legislation recently introduced by Reps. James Sensenbrenner and Bobby Scott.
The Safe, Accountable, Fair and Effective Justice Act seeks to streamline our federal justice system focusing on high risk offenders and making certain federal overcriminalization
(there are now 4,500 federal crimes on the books) doesn't ensnare entire communities by putting first time nonviolent offenders in jail.
Congress should assist local agencies in making certain that 'equal application of the law' as well as the unequivocal support of law enforcement combine to afford every community the safety and security it deserves.
Source: 2016 Minnesota House campaign website JasonLewis2016.com
, Nov 8, 2016
First step: reduce recidivism & mass incarceration.
Lewis voted YEA First Step Act
Congressional Summary:
- TITLE I--RECIDIVISM REDUCTION: establish a risk and needs assessment system to evaluate the recidivism risk of prisoners; to guide housing assignments; and to reward participation in recidivism reduction programs.
- TITLE II--BUREAU OF PRISONS SECURE FIREARMS STORAGE: allow federal correctional officers to securely store and carry concealed firearms on BOP premises outside the security perimeter of a prison.
- TITLE III--RESTRAINTS ON PREGNANT PRISONERS PROHIBITED: limits the use of restraints on federal prisoners who are pregnant or in postpartum recovery.
- TITLE IV--SENTENCING REFORM: reduces the enhanced mandatory minimum prison terms for certain repeat drug offenses.
Opposing press release from Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-1):: The reform sentencing laws in this bill may compromise the safety of our communities. Criminals convicted of violent crimes would have the opportunity to
achieve 'low risk' status and become eligible for early release. California already has similar laws in place--Propositions 47 and 57--which have hamstrung law enforcement and caused a significant uptick in crime.
Supporting press release from Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-10):: S. 756 establishes a new system to reduce the risk that [federal prisoners] will commit crimes once they are released. Critically, S. 756 would not only implement these reforms to our prison system, but it also takes a crucial first step toward addressing grave concerns about our sentencing laws, which have for years fed a national crisis of mass incarceration. The bill is a 'first step' that demonstrates that we can work together to make the system fairer in ways that will also reduce crime and victimization.
Legislative outcome: Concurrence Passed Senate, 87-12-1, on Dec. 18, 2018; Concurrence Passed House 358-36-28, Dec. 20, 2018; President Trump signed, Dec. 21, 2018
Source: Congressional vote 18-S756 on Dec 20, 2018
Page last updated: May 27, 2022; copyright 1999-2022 Jesse Gordon and OnTheIssues.org