Capital punishment is barbaric

Wed., Oct. 5, 2011

The spectacle of the execution of Troy Davis was remarkably similar to a public execution.

Years ago as a journalist in Illinois, I wrote a story about a public hanging that occurred in a small town in Illinois in the early 1900s.

Men, women and children came from miles around to see a man die. They brought their lunches and thoroughly enjoyed the holiday.

It breaks my heart to write this, as it did when I wrote the story. The young man who was to be hanged was handed his little boy to hug and kiss before he died.

What’s the difference today?

Capital punishment should be outlawed in all states. The U.S. Supreme Court should not make the decision whether someone lives or dies, nor should a governor.

Capital punishment is barbaric. All people can be redeemed.

Bonnie J. Evans

Newport, Wash.

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