Editor,
As I read your editorial in Monday's Daily Lobo, I have to wonder where the logic is that says that the principles of a free and democratic society imply that it is reprehensible for the society's government to take a life, regardless of the circumstances.
I submit that the opposite is true. Members of a free and democratic society live in a much more fragile system than others and more care must be taken to insure the system's stability.
Leaving an unrepentant murderer alive does not do that. And you know this. Your comment that "Clark's acceptance of his own death makes me wonder whether he would suffer more dying at the hands of the state or from a lengthy prison term" smacks of revenge, which I thought was a politically correct no-no.
His punishment should not be based on the suffering he will endure, but on the crime he committed. And you know this. While his execution will not bring Dena Lynn Gore back, I am hopeful that it may cause others to think a little more when considering such a heinous crime.
That way others won't have to wish they had their daughter back. You imply that capital punishment is not an effective deterrent, and I agree with you that this is true currently.
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We've moved away from the highly effective concepts of "swift and sure," thanks to people such as you. And you know this. You suggest that "we can come up with better ways to handle overcrowded prisons than executing the less desirable in our society."
If I were associated with the New Mexico criminal justice system, I would be highly insulted that you think the reason for executions is relieving prison overcrowding. You know better. I do not know how often you go over your editorial before publishing it. Nor do I know your review process with others before you publish.
May I respectfully suggest that you let at least one pair of conservative eyes take a look. I'd be glad to help.
Hank Happ
Daily Lobo reader
