Increasingly it seems to me that the people making the rules are unaffected by the consequences of their rules. It's easy to complain the police are too tough on transients or the justice system lacks mercy when you live in a distant neighborhood. When policies are developed they should start with compassion for the innocent bystanders whose lives will be impacted.  
For starters I hope the Register-Guard will keep us updated on the proceedings and sentencing of this assailant.