DEATH PENALTY FOLLIES

Eric Hanson becomes the latest poster-villain to justify state homicide of un-desirable citizens for his guilt in murdering four family members.

In supporting Hanson’s death penalty sentence DuPage State’s Attorney Joe Birkett stated that whether the death penalty is sought is determined, among other things, by the nature of the evidence involved. Gee, did Mr. Birkett, when he was in charge of the attorneys prosecuting Rolando Cruz for the third time in the Jenine Nicarico case, look closely at the evidence, which consisted mainly of a “vision statement” investigators alleged Cruz made and determine that this was enough for him to go forward with a death penalty prosecution? Apparently, against all reason and decency, it was. Sanity finally prevailed and Cruz was exonerated. Had Mr. Birkett had his way an innocent man would have been killed by the state.

Now Mr. Birkett continues his campaign to re-instate the death penalty in Illinois and he gets to showcase another heinous character to justify his bloodlust. Mr. Birkett should look around the world. Eighty-six countries have abolished the death penalty including almost all in North America, Europe and Australia. Except for America that is. Since 1976 when the death penalty was abolished in the US till it was made constitutional again, the following countries have ended it: Portugal, Denmark, Luxembourg, Nicaragua, Norway, France, Cape Verde, Netherlands, Australia, Haiti, Liechtenstein, Germany, Cambodia, New Zealand, Romania, Slovenia, Andorra, Croatia, Check Republic, Slovak Republic, Hungery, Ireland, Mozambique, Namibia, Sao Tome, Principe, Croatia. Why does America resist the march of progress?

Prosecutors who pander to a dwindling minority of their citizenry who favor capital punishment are not serving the public interest, or that of humanity.

Originally published in Glen Ellyn News, March 12, 2008