There has been much discussion regarding the Arizona execution policy and procedure. To be absolutely clear, I believe that there are several crimes that are so heinous that the offender has forfeited the right to exist on this planet. That offender should not be rewarded by an additional 20 to 60 years of life. Several states currently have workable assisted suicide programs that are quite successful. In these programs, individuals, generally with uncurable diseases or cancers, after consultation with at least two doctors, end their lives in a humane, honorable manner instead of lingering in a narcotic induced state. What I find interesting is that with the success of assisted suicide for appropriate cases, why cannot states with death penalties not emulate these successful procedures? Is it because anti-death penalty advocates are presenting insurmountable hurdles or it is that the Corrections departments are just incompetent? A final point. Why is it acceptable to oppose executions of deserving individuals but support abortion?
Loyal M Johnson Jr
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
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