Shooting illustrates justice system's failure
The shooting of Trooper J.C. Horniak shows yet another clear example of our failed criminal justice system. The suspect, Marvin Johnson, was a convicted murderer out on parole. He is currently wanted by the Richmond, Va., police department for felony assault, assault and battery (two times) and breaking and entering. He had a chance to turn his life around when he got out on parole. He chose instead to continue to prey on the rest of society and to gun down a young officer to avoid getting caught.
I can't wait for the case to go through the system so I can read the editorials that will enlighten us about his poor childhood and all the other "reasons" for his actions. Anyone want to change their position on the death penalty?
James Gray
Ruffin
Comments (5)
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My position on the Death Penalty remains the same; AGAINST IT!
I do not believe anyone can fully blame their current situation on past events. While the past does have a bearing on what may possibly happen, each person has a choice on how they will handle life's situations. Sadly, Marvin Johnson chose poorly.
Shalom
Posted on December 6, 2005 2:52 PM
No change on death penalty position, still against it. I question why a convicted murderer was out on parole. Life in prison should mean without parole.
Posted on December 6, 2005 6:12 PM
Darryl:
You don't make a bit of sense with your pacifist theory. We don’t live in a theoretical world. Therefore, theory does not work in society. You must use the yardstick of experience.
If Johnson had been executed he would not have been out to commit another crime. That is the point. In ancient philosophy the number 4 represented justice because it was made up of two equal parts, crime and punishment.
The death penalty is the only proven deterrent for preventing a person from committing more than one murder.
Peace through strength.
ps. I was reading the Bible last night and it still says homosexuality is a sin. Sorry about that.
Posted on December 6, 2005 9:45 PM
So jsykes, peace/pacifism make no sense? And you were reading the Bible? That is amusing to me (smiles).
I am saddened that we disagree on this issue, however, I know that is the individuals right to believe as one chooses/is persuaded. I would only hope that in reading the Bible that one could see that Jesus the Christ was a pacifist too. Hopefully, through reading and further study, maybe the Light will convince one of other things as well.
Shalom
Posted on December 7, 2005 11:04 AM
Mr. 1000 that was executed the other day made a statement that went something like this:
I think I should be in prison for life with no chance of parole. If I get off, I know that there will be no option of parole.
Key words here: get off.
My reading of that is that he considers life in prison as getting off for the murders he committed.
I am against the death penalty. It's not that I don't think there are people who deserve death for their actions. I just think that there is no judge or jury infallible enough for me to support them being the one's who get to decide that.
I believe God is the ultimate judge. I don't believe anybody 'gets off' for murder.
If I were a supporter of the death penalty, I would change one thing. The sentence would be carried out as soon as possible.
Posted on December 7, 2005 4:22 PM