STOP CODDLING DOMESTIC ABUSERS

The shooting death of Poughkeepsie police officer John Falcone on Friday as he came to the aid of a three-year-old girl who had just witnessed her father kill her mother in a parked car was another example of extreme domestic violence becoming the new normal. The killer had recently been released on bail after assaulting his wife twice in January. The woman had moved out with her children but had agreed to meet her estranged husband to get the family car back. Instead the husband shot her dead in a parking lot before killing Officer Falcone and eventually himself. This incident is part of a disturbing trend with people using guns instead of lawyers when resolving domestic disputes. It's time the judicial system began treating these situations at least as seriously as we now treat drunk driving. These things are no longer "family matters." Like all criminal activity, the criminal needs to know there will be a heavy price to pay for crossing the line. No more low bail or suspended sentences for first-time offenders. Take guns away from abusers. Have real hot lines where women can get immediate help. If we have to take money away from some feel-good social program, so be it. People are dying out there. Deal with it.

CHELSEA CLINTON MARRIAGE KAPUT

After all that hoopla and all that money, it appears money and fame can't buy you love. I'm hearing from a number of sources that Marc Mezvinsky has flown the New York coop he has shared with wife Chelsea Clinton since their July 31 marriage. Some Clinton flacks are trying to spin it as a trial seperation but don't buy it. As was true during our reporting of the marriage, the fact that nobody in the Clinton camp will confirm or deny the report tells me it's true.