http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/12/31/60minutes/main4694666.shtml
60 Minutes ran a story Jan. 4, 2009 about the growing trend to prosecute traffic fatalities involving DWI offenders as second degree homicides. The story profiled New York state Nassau County District Attorney, Kathleen Rice, who has successfully prosecuted several high-profile DWI murder cases. DA Rice pushes for more severe DWI homicide penalties because "nothing else is working...People drink and drive because they're not afraid of the law, and they think they can get away with it." Stricter penalties are one necessary step in our efforts to change the culture and wake America up to the real consequences of DWI. Those who think that facing 10 years or more in prison for taking a life while driving under the influence is too severe are still under the inexcusable and convenient illusion that DWI is an accident (I didn't know if I pointed this gun in someone's face and pulled the trigger it would kill them!) and have no idea of how much harder it is to face a life sentence without their loved one. I applaud DA Rice's tough stand against the senseless and reckless disregard for human life. I hope her message will spread from coast to coast.
