Saturday, October 6, 2012

Weighing the value of Life versus the value of a Life Sentence

 So What does the Governor do? Here is a guy who is associated with the most notorious Murderer in American History. He may know more about other crimes, and indeed may have been involved in other crimes. Yet - he was personally really only involved with two crime scenes which can be proved, and neither was a contributor in making the case so infamous. As well- he has done twice as much time as anyone else (not also associated with this case) who has committed similar crimes. He has a very good record and meets the criteria for release in almost every measurable way...

A Political conundrum no doubt. But beyond the obvious reasons The Governor will have to make this decision about Mr. Davis- is the moral one. Does a life sentence mean a life sentence? Are the prison systems for rehabilitation, or just a way to lock up the bad guys and keep them away from the rest of us? Do we place more importance on judging the value of one man and his worthiness of some mercy and compassion, or do we value more the statement we can make  through this man to remind us all where society draws the line  with those individuals who have shown the lack of ability to demonstrate mercy and compassion themselves???? Naturally- this statement is most effective when the most people are paying attention.  Of course, this decision is much more than a review of his post incarceration record and suitability, and we have seen before how much weight the parole board's recommendation carries in this situation...

Saint says- Bruce stays put