Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Murderesses Deserve Same Slack They Cut Their Victims

D.F. Oliveria Opinion Writer

If Texas executes Karla Faye Tucker today, I won’t rejoice. But I will think her sentence fit the crime she committed 15 years ago.

The 38-year-old woman’s been a model prisoner. In fact, she not only has found religion, but has Pope John Paul II and Christian conservative Pat Robertson fighting for her. Unfortunately for Tucker, she doesn’t have the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles on her side.

Frankly, part of me would love to see the Texas governor give Tucker a break. Indeed, she may be a far different woman today than the one who received a sexual thrill from driving a 3-foot pickax through a man and a woman. But I don’t want to be hypocritical. Male killers, even those who embrace religion, regularly are executed for crimes less heinous. I don’t want to be accused of sexism, either. Gender equity means women have won their right to be executed, too. You know. You’ve come a long way, baby.

Bottom line? Tucker should be thankful she was able to order a final meal of a banana, peaches and a tossed salad. And that she had plenty of time to make peace with God. Her victims didn’t have that opportunity.

Tater Tots

Sure, I cried during “Titanic” - when the old lady tossed the rare blue diamond into the drink. Then, I’m a sentimentalist … Hmmm. The Clinton administration is whining that Ken Starr’s Whitewater investigation has cost $30 million. Yet, President Clinton is willing to squander $6.3 billion - that’s “B” as in boy - to fight global warming, an environmental problem that exists only in a faulty computer model and in the minds of gullible alarmists … I’d be willing to read what Randy and Sara Weaver have to say about Ruby Ridge. But I’ll wait until it comes out in paperback. As of now, it’d be hard to beat the well-researched version of the shootout penned by former Spokesman-Review colleague Jess Walter: “Every Knee Shall Bow.” … You may roll your eyes at the suggestion by state Rep. Don Pischner, R-Coeur d’Alene, that the University of Idaho be moved to Kellogg. But it’ll play well in the depressed Silver Valley, where Pischner has established himself since winning his 1994 election by 15 votes. He should have an easier time winning a third term this year … My favorite prospective bill so far this legislative season? The “lemon law” being considered by state Sen. Grant Ipsen, R-Boise. It would make it easier to get reimbursed by a manufacturer of a faulty vehicle. For some reason, Ipsen’s idea made me think of my old Volkswagen Rabbit that once stranded my family in Connell, Wash. Its color? Yellow, of course.

, DataTimes MEMO: D.F. Oliveria’s “Hot Potatoes” runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can comment on the items by calling (800) 344-6718 or (208) 765-7125, or by sending e-mail to daveo@spokesman.com.

D.F. Oliveria’s “Hot Potatoes” runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can comment on the items by calling (800) 344-6718 or (208) 765-7125, or by sending e-mail to daveo@spokesman.com.