End California's Death Penalty!

The death penalty debate elicits strong emotions on both sides.  Surely something must be done in response to the violent actions of killers and the like.  Many people like to believe that killing killers is a just punishment that deters others from walking similar paths. Although the death penalty clearly prevents those who suffer that fate from further terrorizing citizens at large, so does life in prison.  

According to Death Penalty Information Center, not only is the death penalty not a deterrent, states that carry out the death penalty have higher murder rates than those who do not.  To the question of 'just' punishment, I've always thought that killing killers and the like only serves to fuel blood lust; I've always wondered if the administrators of the death penalty, the killers of killers, are judged for their actions by a higher court.   Just or unjust, these killings certainly do not bring victims back from the dead, nor leave the criminal any chance of rehabilitation.  I will acknowledge that there are psychopathic individuals who are beyond redemption, but maintain that they are a very small minority of those on death row.  
There is also the matter of executing the innocent. Amnesty International reminds us that since 1973, 130 people have been released from death row after forensic evidence proved them innocent.  Who knows how many innocent people were not so fortunate. Who knows how many still await a horribly unjust fate.  As my readers know, I believe Troy Davis is such a person.  I therefore feel that we should reconsider this practice of executing those member s of our society we wish to permanently throw away.  In California, the discussion is on the table.  

The Care2 Petition site says:

"While California schools struggle to stay open and the job market dwindles, the state is spending $184 million annually on death penalty proceedings.
The death penalty has cost California $4 billion since its 1978 reinstatement. It is projected that it will cost the state $9 billion by 2030.  It takes an average of 25 years for execution to occur after an individual receives a death sentence. During that time, inmates on death row usually pass away due to other causes.  Senate Bill 490 proposes that the death penalty be repealed in favor of life without parole--a sentence 20 times less costly than a death sentence."

If you would like to join me in urging the California legislature to support the passing of Senate Bill 490, Click Here!

Thank you for reading my blog today. Please be kind to yourself and to others. Share your visions of peace and justice with the world. Strive always to leave each place you visit the better for your having been there! - TCK

 

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