Florida's penchant for knee-jerk legislation hurts in the long run
Florida's penchant for knee-jerk legislation hurts in the long run
By John Romano, Times Columnist
In Print: Sunday, June 17, 2012
The old man is fading. Those who know him say he looks far older than his 65 years.
He is diabetic, and his eyesight is nearly gone. He's had multiple surgeries in recent years, and appears destined to die in a prison hospital bed.
And what was Ronald Thompson's crime?
While defending an elderly neighbor from four unwelcome guests in September 2009, the retired Army vet fired two warning shots into the ground with a legally owned handgun.
For this, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
More:
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/floridas-penchant-for-knee-jerk-legislation-hurts-in-the-long-run/1235761
