tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11516722.post-1140668448138477092006-02-22T23:20:00.000-05:002006-02-22T23:20:00.000-05:00ACA:<BR/><BR/>I understand your comment about the 'revenge' perspective of some who are proponents of the death penalty.<BR/><BR/>Yes, Vernon did have a traumatic childhood. If he had killed in self defense, or in response to this trauma then this would be a valid defence.<BR/><BR/>HOWEVER: The crime he committed was a hit. He took money to kill 2 people. He committed this crime in a state where the death penalty is known to apply.<BR/><BR/>As far as 'pain & suffering' for the 'victim' of the executioner goes - consider this. The victims did not have a chance to say goodbye to their loved ones, to fulfill their potential as humans. The pain for those who loved these 2 people (the TRUE victims) will live with them forever and I cannot speak for them regarding what they would consider to be 'closure'.<BR/><BR/>Vernon was NOT a victim in this. He has had the opportunity to speak with his family, repent (and so he bloody ought to) and to get a whole bunch of people riled about the issue. He is only a victim in so far as he chooses to be or people like many on this blog choose to make him.<BR/><BR/>Yes he has suffered - but this isn't about him & his suffering - HE TOOK MONEY TO KILL PEOPLE!<BR/><BR/>Regardless of the outcomes of the review certain facts have yet to be disputed:<BR/><BR/>His dna & fingerprints were on the murder weapon. He was there. He admitted taking money to kill these 2 people. He didn't know that one of the people wasn't the person he was supposed to kill.<BR/><BR/>Until these facts are refuted - the evidence remains that HE TOOK MONEY TO KILL PEOPLE. A choice was made - albeit a bad one.Bluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07537206000218742156noreply@blogger.com