What has too often happened in the past is that people have threatened punishment but have failed to carry it out. It's imperative in any initiative that punishment be real and that there be truth in sentencing, and that the truly dangerous offenders - the recidivists and the career criminals - be put away and kept away.
This quote underscores the importance of enforcing consequences consistently to ensure justice and safety. Threatening punishment without follow-through undermines authority and effectiveness, especially in the context of criminal justice. It emphasizes that true repercussions, including incarceration of the most dangerous offenders, are essential for maintaining order and protecting society. The notion advocates for honest and decisive action, reinforcing the idea that sentencing must be both truthful and effectively implemented to achieve meaningful deterrence.