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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Welcome, criminals

Are you a criminal? Have you had it with states like Texas, Alabama, Arkansas and Montana that have punitive criminal justice laws and felony supervision, which actually holds you accountable for your behavior?

If so, we have a deal for you. Come to Washington state where the laws favor the criminals, the pickins are good and the victims are plentiful. Prefer property crimes? Live in a state where victims are forgotten, and the Legislature is soft on crime.

Worried that you might go to prison? On the off-chance that you rack up enough felony convictions to enter prison, fear not. You will be assigned an “apologist.” They will make sure you receive all the entitlement programming available. Plus, when released into the community, the state will help you find housing and health care.

How many non-criminal homeless families receive this perk from the state? Many of our seniors have to decide whether to eat or purchase life-prolonging medications.

Yes, the system is a joke, but the joke is on us.

Jack M. Brucick

Spokane

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