"Anon Amos", yes, I read the story. I agree words have meaning. I've already accepted I should have said "felony" rather than "misdemeanour" (although here in the UK we don't use "felony").

Exactly where did I say I was happy with serial offenders assaulting as many people as they like with no consequences? I was very clear. I believe the punishment should fit the crime. A life sentence for an assault of the kind mentioned in the article is unfair. Yes, it should be punished. Yes, there might be prison time. Yes, criminal record can be taken into consideration. But a life sentence (30 years or whatever) is just plain nuts, and I personally believe the three-strike thing you lot have in America is unfair and unjust. That's what murderers get in the UK, typically speaking.

I trust that has made my position clear.