Government wrong-doers deserve punishment

I often read Adam Sullivan's opinion pieces with great interest. Though I don't always agree with him, his pieces are logical and thought provoking.

However, his column on Iowa Auditor Rob Sand (“Rob Sand is Iowa’s bipartisan incarceration champion,” Dec. 10) seeking to punish governmental wrong-doers misses an important point.

Unlike most who are incarcerated for crimes committed, these governmental criminals have also broken the public trust. When a government official steals from the public, they are essentially declaring themselves above the law and undermining public trust in the institution. As guardians of public funds, they should rightfully be held to a higher standard than someone who steals for other non-violent reasons. Otherwise, what recourse does the public really have for public officials with criminal intent or the institution that seemingly gives them a hall pass?

Garry Klein

Iowa City