Being Tough on Crime Without the Death Penalty

A Conservative Change of Mind

regon Gov. John Kitzhaber this past November halted the scheduled execution of a mentally ill man who had waived further court appeals. Gov. Kitzhaber also placed a moratorium on future executions while he remains in office. He characterized the death penalty system as broken, unfair, and a perversion of justice. He insisted, I am convinced that we can find a better solution that keeps society safe, supports the victims of crime and their families, and reflects Oregon values. He had been in office while two other peopleboth also volunteers who had ceased pursuing available appeals and wanted to be killedwere indeed executed. I refuse to be a part of this compromised and inequitable system any longer, said Kitzhaber.

In doing this, the Governor became part of the growing movement to abolish capital punishment in the U.S. What is particularly surprising is the large number of conservative Republican legislators who supported this decision. Among them was Oregon State Rep. Patrick Sheehan. He cited a tour of the Oregon State Penitentiary in helping him reach his decision. In witnessing first hand what life without the possibility of parole was like, he concluded:

At that moment, I knew it was OK to be tough on crime and still be against the death penalty. The two are not contradictory.

is reasoning is this: The death penalty actually rewards the criminal by granting him public attention. Death is not the ultimate punishment. Far worse for the worst of the worst would be the horror of facing a dreary lifetime without purpose behind bars dying in utter obscurity. Sheehan is convinced that his legislative colleagues who favor the death penalty do so in the desire to convey their disgust toward these vile criminals in the strongest tone possible. He is now convinced that life imprisonment without the possibility of parole is a far harsher way of conveying this condemning them to knowing that they will die in prison after a long and purposeless life. Support HB 1520, sponsored by 45 representatives, representing both parties, which would Repeal the Death Penalty.

This flier is part of a series prepared by Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. For more information contact MADP at 816-931-4177 or visit our website at www.madpmo.org