Letter to the editor: HB 1660 dangerous invitation to lynch mobs

Interesting read about House Bill 1660 (“Lower Burrell child predator sting by citizens raises safety, legal issues,” March 29, TribLive) allowing private citizens to engage in sting operations now in the domain of various law enforcement agencies.

House Bill 1660 invites legally sanctioned “lynch mobs” every bit as frightening as sexual predators.

Investigation and protection from sexual predators belong solely with law enforcement that have the training and expertise to enforce the law.

Lack of resources is no excuse, as most everything funded with taxpayer money can be classified as under-funded or under-staffed.

The U.S. Army did not meet recruiting goals. What next? Proposed legislation by the state Legislature sanctioning roaming bands of people wearing camouflage, carrying AR-15s and calling them “militias”?

House Bill 1660 needs to die, be embalmed and buried in committee.

I am amazed of the number of elected officials engaged in legislation and law-enforcement officers enforcing the laws who do not have a clue about the U.S. Constitution and the individual liberties contained therein.

Ben Franklin once said: “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.”

David A. Scandrol

Lower Burrell