The Daily Reflector's Our Views writer did a great job on Oct. 3 bringing a balanced approach to the graffiti issue faced especially by businesses trying to exist in difficult areas of Greenville. The writer's approach served all sides very well and helped to clarify the purposed intentions and concerns of all involved. Most importantly was the call to place the burden of this criminal offense more upon those committing the crime in the first place, and it would help more if we all began to rethink the manners by which we punish criminals.

Our law enforcement in both the city and the county faces a difficult task in curbing gang-related activities and crimes. They need our support, carefulness and watchfulness, but they must always carefully watch where they place the burdens of crime and manage it in a way that provides justice for all concerned.

Our businesses and private property owners need to know their local government is on their side and that the efforts are indeed about working as partners against criminal activity of all kinds. On this issue, there are special challenges faced by businesses in certain areas and by seemingly placing businesses on the same side as the criminals there is no partnership — only passing the buck of responsibility on the matter where justice is not being served.

The citizenry has expectations and rightfully so, but when government makes the good in our society pay for what the wrong do because it is just easier than trying to deal with the problem itself, we the people should always work together to speak up against such. In the process, hopefully those committing the crimes are caught and learn valuable lessons through making things right with those they did the wrongs to in the first place. That's justice, and that helps everyone involved.

CYNTHIA WILKINSON

Stokes