Crazy Texas about the murder crazy man

If Texas follows through on its vow to execute certified schizophrenic Scott Penetti, December 3, for killing his in-laws twenty years ago, it will make him the third murder victim of that terrible event. Penetti , 56, was diagnosed with schizophrenia when he was 20 years old requiring several hospitalizations for delusions and psychotic episodes. Texas allowed a certified crazy man to represent himself at his trial, during which he attempted to subpoena John F. Kennedy and Jesus Christ. Apparently, Texas officials thought that was evidence of Penetti's good faith commitment to defend himself rather than further evidence of his insanity.

 

Texas executed 500 people between 1976, when the death penalty was re-instated, and 2013. That is five times as many humans as both Virginia and Oklahoma, the next most prolific killers of persons to satisfy the bloodlust of their citizenry.

 

Penetti almost certainly should never take a breath of free air again. But neither should politicians and judges arrange his final breath through senseless state sponsored violence which demeans and degrades our society instead of affirming its mission of promoting the betterment of us all, including Mr. Penetti.