Living in fear no more

| November 8, 2007 11:00 PM

To the Editor:

As a recent victim in the long list of burglaries that still are occurring here in Libby, I have a few things on my mind.

First and foremost, I believe that we are all tax-paying and voting citizens of Lincoln County, state of Montana. Why then in this day and age with the technology we have and the taxes we pay does it take a month to get fingerprints processed at the state crime lab? I would think that with the problems we are having here the state would perhaps expedite the matter in some way.

And it's not just the state or county, but also our revolving door justice system, prosecutors, defense attorneys, ACLU, and even us as citizens and parents for letting our country and town get into this position.

Myself, I don't like the idea of a bunch of dirtbags running around with my firearms, and I intend to see what the BATF, DEA, State Task Force and every other LEA at hand is not here and involved. I also urge every other victim to do the same.

Call the attorney general (406-444-2026), call the county prosecutor (293-2717), call the sheriff (293-4112), call the city police (293-3343), call the DEA (406-542-7590), call the BATF (406-721-2611), call Crimestoppers (293-7867), call the county commissioners (293-7781 ext. 201), call the FBI (406-755-5131).

Tell the attorney general we want more resources from the state level. Tell the ATF and DEA to step up the federal involvement, and let's see if the prosecutors can put these criminals away for a nice long time. Let's make a statement that we will not live in fear of a bunch of criminals.

I urge everyone involved to call the numbers listed and even call me; our resources as residents here are invaluable for comparing notes and information on their crimes. And our ability to get results as a group is much more than as individuals. Remember, we are the good guys. I am a firm believer in the Constitution of this country, but I don't believe that the rights of a few criminals override the rights of the rest of us law-abiding citizens.

Jeff Williams

Libby