Our penal system is broken. No one should spend more than five years in prison. This is cruel and unusual punishment.

Anyone convicted of murder should be given a lethal injection within a few days of being found guilty. Less serious crime should be punishable by no more than five years in prison, and that time should involve job training before they can be released.

Let’s help the good people and punish the bad people. Right now, a convicted person is sent to prison and let out in a few years and commits more crimes. While he is in the prison system the victim’s family and all taxpayers must pay for his room and board, medical care, attorney fees and all his needs.

This is cruel and unusual punishment for all, guilty and innocent.

Verne Pettis

Spokane