The Earth is vast. There are so many parts of this planet that have yet to be touched by a sentient life form that it would seem there is enough room us to live together peacefully. We could all avoid serious conflict simply by walking away and being nice (in most cases). Unfortunately, the exceptions are what characterize our landscape, and the cooperation we are all so capable loses out to rage. Violence escalates despite improved security, efforts for peace, cries for mercy and capital punishment.Our primary instincts are seduced by the concept of revenge. The death penalty is not a solution. It’s another problem. Such attempts to disinfect our world of those convicted of past atrocities will most likely increase the visible disrespect people have for humanity.We have a murderer who has boldly declared that he wants to die. Why should the state do him a favor by granting his wish?Wilford Berry, “the volunteer,” might be executed soon, and if it happens, there will be a celebration in Ohio as if we had won something. No one wins in a murder case. Capital punishment will not rectify the crime. Encroaching on his constitutional right to life only fosters a climate for barbarity. The death of a murderer might make a few people feel better, but it is really just an abuse of authority.Who has the right to life? Do you? Do I? It seems only logical that our present state of being validates this right. Some take this right away from others with various poisons. For this, they should be punished. The public has a right to be protected from them. But the state should be able to take only their freedom.It can be costly to preserve the existence of someone who doesn’t help stimulate the economy in any way. But taxes should be irrelevant when it comes to a human life, even if the human in question is characterized by repugnance.Sympathy completely misses the point. We don’t need to feel sorry for these psychopathic prisoners. We don’t have to make excuses for their behavior. We don’t have to concern ourselves with rehabilitation. Life imprisonment is the appropriate and most severe punishment available. It protects law-abiding citizens. It provides minimal solace for the victim’s family. And if a person turns out to be innocent, he/she can be released. That can’t happen if we regenerate the hideous trend of capital punishment in Ohio.It is hard for sane people to understand, but evildoers prefer death to confinement. This is where the general public should start complaining. Why can’t the state provide adequate cells to permanently detain these miscreants?Also, we should push for all federal prisons to eradicate the access of inmates to recreational facilities. If incarceration is like a day camp, why should they fear it? Prisoners craving current events should read the newspaper. They don’t need TVs. Those who can’t read need education, not entertainment.In “the volunteer” case, a district court judge has halted execution of Berry because his request to die is dismissed as the result of mental incompetence. This will mean little if Attorney General Betty Montgomery has her way. Gov. George Voinovich is the person who must put a stop to this by granting Berry clemency. I would not advocate exoneration because that would be denying his culpability.Is Berry using reverse psychology in a ploy to save his own life? My response: I don’t know and I don’t care. Let him live. Let God be the judge.
Kirk D. Richards, a junior majoring in journalism, can be contacted via e-mail at [email protected]
