In a shocking incident that further highlights the soft approach towards repeat offenders, a man in Chicago committed a heinous act of violence, lighting a woman on fire on a public transit train. This isn’t just another crime story, it’s an alarming wake-up call about the failures of a justice system that lets dangerous individuals slip through its cracks repeatedly. Lawrence Reed, the perpetrator here, didn’t make his debut in criminal activities with this vile act. No, he’s been arrested multiple times before. Yet here he is, casually strolling through a train car with a bottle of flammable liquid as if to prove just how ineffective our legal system has become.

Let’s break this down for a moment. Reed’s criminal resume doesn’t read like a tragedy of second chances, it’s a comedy of errors where he’s the only one getting the last laugh. With numerous arrests to his name, he’s been given more breaks than most people would get in a lifetime. The system has treated him with kid gloves, and the outcome is as clear as day. When people aren’t held accountable for their actions, why would they ever feel the need to change?

There was a time when laws like the “three strikes” rule were in place, aiming to make sure repeat offenders couldn’t continue their path of crime unchecked. But those laws have since been diluted to the point that they’re practically non-existent. Now, the notion of mandatory life sentences, or even execution after a certain number of arrests, especially for such violent acts, may seem harsh to some. But consider this: how many more lives have to be endangered before we draw a line in the sand?

Reed’s case isn’t about a lack of opportunity for redemption. He’s had numerous opportunities, and each time, he chose a path opposite to that of a law-abiding citizen. At what point do we just accept that some people have zero intention of living peacefully within society? It’s not a question of being harsh; it’s a matter of public safety and sanity. A society where a person can willfully remain a threat is one that prioritizes the freedoms of the criminal over the safety of the community.

As we continue to see these patterns of leniency, it’s time for a bold reevaluation. People who have proven beyond doubt that they are a threat deserve strict, unwavering consequences. It’s unfortunate, but true: being gentle with the kind of danger posed by a person like Reed doesn’t serve justice or the public. It only sends a message that law and order can be repeatedly defied without fear. It’s time to put the safety of the community first and say enough is enough.