Ron HartThe recent “botched” execution in Arizona sparked more debate about the death penalty. But if the execution ended in the murderer’s death, then it was not botched. What did his victims endure?
The New York Times inadvertently committed journalism when it reported that about 12 recent studies have determined that the death penalty saves lives and serves as a deterrent. Some studies concluded that, for every execution, up to 18 murders are prevented.
I was once asked whether I was for or against capital punishment. The moderator knew the answer but was shocked when I answered that I was against the electric chair. When he asked why, I said I was in favor of electric bleachers — until we get caught up.
My father was in law enforcement. I have seen the worst of mankind — and not just at our family reunions. There are very bad people out there whom we need to eliminate from the gene pool.
On both an intuitive and practical level, it is very clear to me that swift and certain consequences for killing (and, in my view, molesting or raping) another person should be imposed by our society. In short, we should make it clear that “If you kill someone, we will kill you back.”