Sir, - Your very balanced editorial (February 3rd) on the execution of Karla Faye Tucker sets out compelling reasons why her life should have been spared. You rightly and without prejudice refer to her Christian conversion which proves "that people may indeed forswear even murder and change their lives while in detention."
As a Christian minister I believe in justice and support the prolonged detention of those who murder other human beings. I also believe in repentance and, with God's help, the start of a new life. Karla Faye Tucker experienced the forgiveness of God and asked for human mercy. She said she was prepared to remain in prison for the rest of her life and work for the spiritual and practical rehabilitation of the other inmates. What a tragedy that Texas could find no clemency and that her life had to end.
On this side of the Atlantic we find the whole thinking behind Death Row alien and abhorrent. Whatever about the arguments for and against capital punishment, to keep someone in the vestibule of the death chamber for 15 years is inhumane and unnecessary. The whole media exposure and publication of all the details about execution procedures and who watches it happen seem to feed a sadistic streak in the American psyche.
There must be another way of dealing with those who commit capital crimes. Their detention is absolutely necessary, but taking their lives after prolonged imprisonment can hardly be called an act worthy of a civilised society. Instead, resources should be directed towards encouraging reform, repentance and rehabilitation. Even if these efforts fail, those who commit these horrible crimes should be detained permanently for the safety of society.
I for one am deeply saddened by the death of Karla Faye Tucker in Huntsville and can only hope that her execution will expedite the abolition of Death Row and all that it represents. - Yours, etc.,
From Robert Dunlop
The Manse,
Brannockstown,
Co Kildare.