De-Thumb Defacers, Mayor Says
RENO — Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman has suggested that those who deface freeways with graffiti should have their thumbs cut off on television.
Goodman, appearing Wednesday on the “Nevada Newsmakers” television show, said, “In the old days in France, they had beheading of people who commit heinous crimes.
“You know, we have a beautiful highway landscaping redevelopment in our downtown.
“We have desert tortoises and beautiful paintings of flora and fauna. These punks come along and deface it.
“I’m saying maybe you put them on TV and cut off a thumb,” the mayor said. “That may be the right thing to do.”
Goodman also suggested that whippings or canings should be brought back for children who got into trouble.
“I’m dead serious,” Goodman said. “Some of these [children] don’t learn. You have got to teach them a lesson, and this is coming from a criminal defense lawyer.”
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