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Re your article on whether california's "three strikes" statute, which doubles the penalty for second-time offenders guilty of serious or violent crimes, is unconstitutional [LAW, Nov. 11]: It amazes me that the concept of personal responsibility carries so little weight these days. Sending someone to prison for life for committing a petty theft seems harsh at first glance, but not when it's the third felony. I'm all for second chances, but every one of these criminals knew that a third strike would mean life in prison. If they choose not to change their ways, let them live with their choice--for the rest of their lives, behind bars. BRAD OCOCK Lakeland, Fla.
Hundreds of shoplifters are in prison in California for 25 years to life, including men who stole a bottle of vitamins, a magazine or three golf clubs. There should be a proportionate sentence for CEOs and CFOs found guilty of defrauding stockholders of millions of dollars. It could be a life sentence or even the death penalty. GEORGE BIRBILIS Clearwater, Fla.
Hip-Hop Nation
Rapper Eminem now has a successful film, 8 Mile, to his credit [SHOW BUSINESS, Nov. 11]. He is an example of the evolving aspect of hip-hop. It is no longer just a music genre. It has become a way of life. It permeates all parts of North American culture: the way we speak, dress and act. In 10 to 20 years, artists like Eminem will be the norm in hip-hop. Urban or street-based music like jazz, blues and rock 'n' roll eventually changes the norm, and what is mainstream today was once considered street territory. It has always been the place in which new music begins. Keeping your ear to the street will always put you one step ahead of what is to come. KEISHA MCINTOSH Toronto
When I read about people like Eminem, I think of my generation during the 1960s, when we were his age. We were angry too, and our parents didn't understand us or appreciate our music either. Just like this younger generation, we didn't like what we saw. But the difference is that we thought we could change the world, and some of us tried, and are still trying. Eminem's generation seems to be saying in a variety of ways "The world sucks," but these people don't appear to be interested in trying to do anything about it. To suggest that no one can change anything is a cop-out. Any situation that has been changed had someone working on it. ELLEN BAILEY Indianapolis