To the Editor:

A Los Angeles Times article on January 20, 2003 advocated for stricter punishment for street criminals, but what L.A. really needs is stricter punishment for the criminals that operate beneath the public radar screen: corporate crooks. As we witnessed recently in the Enron et al scandals, corporate crime can cost billions. But unfortunately, these are not isolated cases; rather the fabric of corporate social responsibility is torn beyond repair. Almost every Fortune 500 company has had to pay substantial fines at some point in the past decade. But they expect to do so, treating it as "the cost of doing business." These "intentional or reckless acts" often jeopardize the safety of workers, devastate the environment, pose serious public health risks and can cost lives. Urge your state senator or representative to support Three Strikes legislation that would revoke the charters of corporations that repeatedly break the law.

Sincerely,

Citizen X

Last Updated February 2003