Nov 14 2009
Muhammed Executed
John Muhammed, the D.C. sniper, was killed by lethal injection this week. He terrorized Washington-area residents with his seemingly random attacks.
The families of the victims are happy he’s dead. They figure it’s just since their loved ones are dead. It’s hard to argue that injecting lethal drugs at a pre-arranged date, time and location is cruel and unusual, especially considered Muhammed never allowed his victims that courtesy.
Charles Manson turned 75 this week. He’s been in prison the past four decades for his role in the Tate-LaBianca murders. His accomplices and he were originally condemned to death but the sentences were commuted when the Supreme Court briefly ruled the death penalty unconstitutional. Although the court changed its stance on capital punishment, the newly-imposed life terms remained in place.
I can understand those who say life in prison is worse than death. I’d rather be dead than spend 40 years in a cell. However, we are not criminals. We haven’t killed people in unspeakable ways.
Manson is the most popular prisoner in the country, as judged by mail. There are two purposes behind imprisonment: rehabilitation and punishment. One aspect is usually favored over the other depending on the political winds. We’re in a punishment mood now.
Allowing death-row inmates to remain alive for 20 years is silly and certainly isn’t a deterrent. Appeals should be limited to two years. For example, a prisoner who receives a death sentence Nov. 14, 2009 should be executed Nov. 14, 2011. Swifter punishment would be a better deterrent.
Keeping criminals behind bars at public expense for their natural lives makes no sense either. Especially considering the ongoing health care debate, why should the worst prisoners be allowed free health care for life?
A just and decent society is not a foolhardy one. Simply put, if Charles Manson is a human being then I am not.
That was great news. It means one less Muslim terrorist we have to worry about