Comments on: Texas Executions Pick Up Pace

By: Ashley Moreland

Ashley Moreland — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:11:04 +0000

I actually think that they should get rid of the death penalty, not because I think that they dont deserve it, because I do, its because it cost to much. This article was right. In these economic times we need to cut out anything that “isnt nesscary”. I don’t think it is a plausible option for use to cut down on policing. I don’t think it is plausible to cut out libraries because education is the foundation of the furture. I would like to see more information on whether or not they are going to cut out the death penalty and Barack Obama’s play in this whole situation as the future unfolds itself.

By: Amy Plewinski

Amy Plewinski — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:03:26 +0000

The death penalty will always be a highly controversial subject, especially Texas’ use of execution. I believe that the death penalty should not be taken away completely. Like Amanda said, some criminals commit such horrific crimes that the death penalty seems like the only punishment befitting of their crimes. However, with more and more cases of innocent people being murdered, capital punishment seems more severe than needed. The number of executions being held in Texas in much higher than the rest of the US. Should we look more closely at Texas, and criticize them for over executing people? Or should we look at Texas and commend them for being efficient and not leaving as many people on Death Row for as long as some other states?

By: Amanda Q.

Amanda Q. — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 19:54:30 +0000

I agree with Alex that a death penalty should be instituted and utilized by many more states in the US. Some form of fear should be put forward to criminals in an attempt to reconsider carrying out a crime, to avoid the ultimate punishment. Those who sit in prison for life sentences remain there for years, simply taking up space in a cell and giving the families of victims only some peace of mind, hoping they do not escape prison. As overpopulation is already an issue in prisons, a death penalty would reduce this problem and help the prison systems remain true to justice.
However, the death penalty should not be overused or put into practice for every offense. I believe those criminals with only the most severe or horrific crimes (serial killers, mass murderers, etc.) should be considered for capital punishment.
If Texas can implement this practice in an attempt to help crime, why can’t other states with equally strong beliefs in justice? In a situation where people’s lives are at stake, it would be better to sacrifice one as an example to others, in an attempt to save hundreds more.

By: Maria Palumbo

Maria Palumbo — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:55:08 +0000

I agree with Tina when she said that she would rather see a criminal locked up behind bars rather then on death row. Some people need to be punished so they can learn a lesson and by putting someone on deatn row you are pretty much just taking their life, so what purpose is that really showing them. I also feel that texas needs to take a step down with their death penalty. Compared to every other state they ar extremley high! The legislature should look into giving life without the possibility of parole for some of the people they are thinking of putting on death row.

By: Alex K

Alex K — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:50:24 +0000

I believe that the death penalty is firmly needed to show that severe punishment can be prosecuted against the criminal for their actions. If there were no capital punishment, what would defer criminals from killing/raping others except for the fact of living in prison for the rest of their lives? Many prisoners grow accustomed to prison life and some would probably even say they enjoy it better than outside life because they are accepted there and have a reputation/pride. If you put the fear of death in their minds, they will think twice before committing such criminal acts. Texas just happens to be the state where the most executions occur, would it be any different if say New York had more executions then Texas? It was just the one of fifty states that fits best for the job.

By: Tina Mosdal

Tina Mosdal — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 02:06:07 +0000

I’m not saying I am for nor against the death penalty but Texas’s execution rate in comparison to all the other states are EXTREMELY high. Virginia is in second place has 1/4 the amount of Texas. That insane number should say something to the state about how something needs to change. New Jersey could pass the bill to abolish the death penalty, why can’t Texas?

Also, 16 executions will be finished by June. That is only 2 less from last year. With the rate they are going, Texas could easily execute 30 people this year.

I would much rather see a criminal locked up behind bars for the rest of their life than to see them on death row.

By: Corey

Corey — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:40:04 +0000

The first thing that came to my mind after reading this article was how different the opinions of people change within the United States of America. Just the fact that Texas has so many more executions than the rest of the country is amazing considering that some states have not had a single execution since 1976.
I feel that the death penalty is not the right way to deal with high security prisoners. It is to expensive and now that life without parole is an option it is unnecessary. I feel that in some cases that the death penalty is an easy way out for the prisoners and that it is much worse to have to stay confined in prison for the rest of your life than to be executed. Although I do not think that Texas will ban the death penalty in the foreseeable future I do agree that they should take a look at their practices and wonder why they are so much different.