Grandmother

* I am baffled by the immediate calls for leniency that have been considered for the 71-year-old granny charged with attempted armed robbery of a gas station.

Your May 8 article indicated that “kind hearts” around the country are now sending her money. How can this be? Is anyone else tired of felons using excuses such as “I was desperate for money” or “I was crazy at the time” as a valid defense of their crimes?

These types of excuses from criminals should be viewed as admissions of guilt and not acceptable reasons for leniency.

JOE CASTILLO

Long Beach

* The theory used to be that youngsters would commit crimes because the punishment would be light.

Now, with everyone asking for leniency for the grandma accused of robbery, are we sending the message to seniors that they too will get off easy?

GREG MASON

Norwalk