Death penalty repeal would defy public will
Christopher H. Marks Gales Ferry
Publication: The Day
The anti-death penalty lobby is gearing up to impose their view of morality on the people of Connecticut. They failed last year because two anti-death penalty politicians, Democratic Sens. Edith Prague and Andrew Maynard, made tactical decisions not to support the repeal effort during the Cheshire murder trials. But now they are singing different tunes. Why?
Because the Cheshire trials are out of the headlines. Over and done with, old news. It is now "safe" to proclaim the death penalty immoral, uncivilized, barbaric, unworkable, yada, yada, yada. Maynard has already announced his support for repeal; Prague is searching for ways to join him while wrapping herself in nuance. If Caroline Kennedy ever updates her father's book "Profiles In Courage," you can bet Prague and Maynard won't be in it.
About a year ago an opinion poll showed that support for the death penalty was nearly 70 percent in our state. The convictions and sentences handed down in the Cheshire murder trials were fair, just, and richly deserved. And despite our desires, we have not seen the last murder trial in Connecticut.
Repealing the death penalty will remove an appropriate punishment for future murderers. If repeal is enacted, what will Prague and Maynard say to the families of future murder victims? Their votes will only "help" the murderers.
Popular on theday.com
Most-Read Stories
Most-Viewed Multimedia
Most-Discussed Stories
-
City sets talks with police, fire unions (42)
-
Elahi gets 35 years for murder of Matthew Chew (31)
-
Council passes $83 million New London budget for second time (28)
-
New London firefighters, police receive pink slips (27)
-
Stonington road worker hit with another suspension (17)
-
Education commissioner to New London schools: You can do better (16)
-
Stonington criticized for excluding public from panel to find next superintendent (15)
-
New NLPD deputy chief sworn in (15)
Transcript available for chat with CEO of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority
The reader web chat with Mitchell Etess, Chief Executive Officer of the Mohegan Gaming Authority, was held on Thursday, May 24.
Most Recent Poll
Are you confident organizers will be able to raise enough money to hold OpSail 2012 in New London?
|
||||||||
Six words and a photo of mom
For Mother's Day, submit a photo of your mom and six words that best describe her to a.nunes@theday.com.
Most Recent Poll
Are you confident organizers will be able to raise enough money to hold OpSail 2012 in New London?
|
||||||||
Six words and a photo of mom
For Mother's Day, submit a photo of your mom and six words that best describe her to a.nunes@theday.com.
The Day on Facebook
In the past two weeks our Facebook fans have won tickets to the CT Tigers, Newport Winefest and Mystic Seaport. Become a fan of The Day on Facebook for access to these contests, breaking news, TheDay.com's best features and more!
Quick Links 
860-442-2200
The Day Publishing Company
New London, CT USA
Copyright © 1998
HIDE COMMENTS
Death penalty repeal would defy public will
The anti-death penalty lobby is gearing up to impose their view of morality on the people of Connecticut. They failed last year because two anti-death penalty politicians, Democratic Sens. Edith Pr...
HIDE COMMENTS