From Athena Daniolos, MD
Verona
To the editor:
What is this world coming to? Mr. Bob Stietz is a longstanding member of Lafayette County and has lived his whole life farming and working for local companies. Bob was minding his own business on November 25, 2012, on his own land checking fences (to bring cattle up to his land in Lamont the following day) and also checking for trespassers. And now, he's been sentenced to one year in prison and three years probation. Some of you may think Bob did the wrong thing. Did he? When he saw the DNR (who he did not know who they were at the time) drew his gun at Bob and he quickly reacted to protect himself. If he had not, he may have been shot and killed. Bob's family would have not been able to do anything. But, during trial, the Court instructed the jurors that they could not utilize the Second Amendment (i.e. self defense), which by necessity resulted in the felony verdict.
This is an individual who has never had anything on his record. The probationary officer suggested six months in jail under Huber Law so Bob could be home to run his farm and take care of his animals and do his chores. The court still gave Bob one year in prison and three years probation. This is very devastating to Bob and his family. But at least they can appeal (and they are) and try to overturn this awful thing. Before people judge Bob please take some time and think what if this happened to you or one of your family members on your own land? How would you feel? Bob turned 66 on June 12. And where is he? In prison away from his family. This world is changing because we let it. Bob was treated unfairly and Bob does not want this ever to happen to anyone else. My prayers and support go to Bob and his family and I hope all of you do the same.
Verona
To the editor:
What is this world coming to? Mr. Bob Stietz is a longstanding member of Lafayette County and has lived his whole life farming and working for local companies. Bob was minding his own business on November 25, 2012, on his own land checking fences (to bring cattle up to his land in Lamont the following day) and also checking for trespassers. And now, he's been sentenced to one year in prison and three years probation. Some of you may think Bob did the wrong thing. Did he? When he saw the DNR (who he did not know who they were at the time) drew his gun at Bob and he quickly reacted to protect himself. If he had not, he may have been shot and killed. Bob's family would have not been able to do anything. But, during trial, the Court instructed the jurors that they could not utilize the Second Amendment (i.e. self defense), which by necessity resulted in the felony verdict.
This is an individual who has never had anything on his record. The probationary officer suggested six months in jail under Huber Law so Bob could be home to run his farm and take care of his animals and do his chores. The court still gave Bob one year in prison and three years probation. This is very devastating to Bob and his family. But at least they can appeal (and they are) and try to overturn this awful thing. Before people judge Bob please take some time and think what if this happened to you or one of your family members on your own land? How would you feel? Bob turned 66 on June 12. And where is he? In prison away from his family. This world is changing because we let it. Bob was treated unfairly and Bob does not want this ever to happen to anyone else. My prayers and support go to Bob and his family and I hope all of you do the same.
