Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Killing A Child

For those of you who don’t believe in the death penalty, does even a monster like this not change your mind?
Even in a city accustomed to the rhythm of crime and violence, this stood out. A 4-year-old boy, dead, prosecutors said, after a caregiver beat, tortured and starved him. 

The caregiver, prosecutors said, whipped the boy with an electric cord, seared his legs with an oven rack, fed him little, and forced him outside in his underwear as New York’s temperature dropped near zero.
Suzanne Vega's Luka.


Pat Benatar's Hell Is For Children.

6 comments:

Ellen K said...

Looking at my darling and beloved nearly four year old grandson, I shudder to think what harm could come when loving family and friends aren't around. I pray daily that he's kept safe. Already at daycare another older child tried to beat him senseless. Too many children witness violence and then spread it like a bad germ.

maxutils said...

I don't favor the death penalty, not for moral reasons but for practical ones. It's applied unevenly, it's been shown to be used against people later proved innocent, it's rarely carried out, and it's more expensive by far than imprisoning someone for life. The death penalty is not the hill I wish to die on...oddly. Certainly this was a horrible crime ... but the most important thing is that person not have the opportunity to do it again, ever. And, not have a pleasant existence. Life in prison takes care of that.

Mike Thiac said...

Unfortunately this was in NY, where they may get probation. Send them to Texas, they would be looking at a needle in the arm. Although they deserve a hangman's noose.

PeggyU said...

I reluctantly agree with what maxutils said. The cost of litigation involved in pursuing the death penalty (and the necessary appeals processes) make execution more expensive than life in prison.

Darren said...

Only because we allow it to become so.

maxutils said...

You're right, Darren, but that's how it is. Why spend the money? Let them rot in prison. Much cheaper ... and if you're looking for vengeance? I actually think it's worse.