[Deathpenalty] death penalty news-----worldwide

[Rick Halperin]

April 11



BOTSWANA:

In Support of the Death Penalty


I was dismayed to read in Mmegi (25 March 2008) that Duma Boko is opposing
the death penalty. This is unacceptable. Our government is a strong
supporter of the death penalty and so am I. The punishment of death is
reasonable, there is nothing to oppose.

We live in a Christian society and the Bible says 'an eye for an eye'. The
Bible also talks about forgiveness somewhere but this is surely a printing
error, do not be fooled. Only an idiot would read the entire Bible anyway,
instead of just picking out the parts that agree with him.

People will say anything to oppose the death penalty, but let us be
realistic here. An innocent man can never be hung because our judges and
lawyers are perfect. This is why they wear those wigs on their heads, it
means they never make mistakes. Have you ever seen a lion swinging from a
tree with a rope around its neck? No, because animals are too stupid to
have a death penalty. This is why lions keep killing more and more animals
every single day. Criminals are killed to make the family of the victim
feel better. As we all know, watching a man hang by the neck until his
legs stop kicking can make anyone feel better. There is a soothing effect
that arises after seeing a guy get choked with a rope until his shoulders
stop shaking. All your troubles go away and you feel much better.

The death penalty is centred around simple logic. Killing a killer ensures
he never kills again. So the government repeats the offence to make sure
the offence is never repeated. This is common sense.

I fear that my reasoning may be so powerful that Duma Boko might feel the
need to resign. Just in case he feels compelled in this way, I would like
to assure him that everyone makes mistakes. We must all change our ideas
and policies when they are proven to be incorrect or out of date. Pride
and stubborness must never hinder development.

(source: Opinion, Edward Fella; Mmegi/The Reporter)