I've written a couple of posts here in the past dealing with the death penalty and the stories of a couple of convicted murderers and their eventual executions.
I'm against the death penalty for a number of reasons. You can read the older posts to get the general drift of my objections because, frankly, I don't have the stomach to go over it all again right now.
I'm only bringing it up now because earlier today I read a very well-written article in The New Yorker, Cameron Todd Willingham, Texas, and the death penalty. I urge everyone to give this story their very serious consideration (it's a bit long, so set aside some time).
Cameron Todd Willingham was convicted of intentionally setting fire to his house and murdering his three children as they slept. He was sentenced to death and executed. He was innocent.
Reporter David Grann does a very good job on this story. It's had me depressed most of the day. Again, I urge all serious people to give it a read.
[Added: Glenn (in comments) has directed me to this Slate article dealing with innocent death-row victims and the apparent indifference of the U.S. constitution. Chilling.]
This story tore me up as well. There is something so wrong in this country and this world that going on is becoming more and more difficult. Have you come across some of the latest news about Scalia and the Supreme Court. There's an interesting article about it on Slate: http://www.slate.com/id/2227222/?from=rss
ReplyDeleteGlenn,
ReplyDeleteThat's a good companion piece. Christ, now I'm even more depressed!
I know, I know.
ReplyDeleteUnfathomable, and depressing as hell.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that. Very good (and important) read.
ReplyDelete