2/1/2011 09:30 AM | published: 2/1/2011 12:01 AM
I agree with Louis Clarizio Jr. of Schaumburg (Fence Post, Jan. 15) that the process is the problem with the death penalty, even though I think it’s time for Illinois to abolish it. How can he think the death penalty is a “guarantee you will be safe in your home”? States with the death penalty have no fewer murders and rapes than states without it.
Here’s the unfortunate truth: There are no guarantees. Illinois has released almost twice as many innocent men from death row as they have executed. And he wants to speed up the execution process? How does he think we won’t then have a lot more innocent people on death row? To me, executing 20 murderers isn’t worth it if even one innocent man gets executed along with them.
Even though I’m opposed to the death penalty, I don’t think people are on death row for “stealing cookies.” I’m tired of proponents thinking we’re not aware of the horrible crimes that take place and the horrible suffering that the victims’ families have to endure. Those who oppose the death penalty are not the naive ones here. Maybe Mr. Clarizio has a different view of our state, but I’ve seen too many examples of Illinois finding a way to screw things up. Does he think that same ineptitude and exploitation won’t transfer over if Illinois restores the death penalty?
Todd Ruder
Schaumburg
