Letters (Jan. 18, 2012)

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 17 January 2012 15:43

Time to end death penalty for good

Recently, the Death Penalty Information Center released its year-end report showing that the death penalty is on the decline around the country. The report found there were fewer than 100 death sentences nationwide, and only one in Kansas over the past year.

Four states in four years have repealed their death-penalty laws as the public continues to lose confidence in the system. This year, the Gallup Poll reported the lowest level of support for the death penalty in nearly 40 years.

A more detailed CNN poll showed that more people preferred a sentence of life without parole over the death penalty for those convicted of capital murder.

This year’s execution of Troy Davis in Georgia, despite serious doubts about his guilt, deeply troubled even those who support the death penalty. The exoneration of Eddie Lowery here in Kansas shows that an innocent person can be wrongfully convicted of a crime anywhere.

It is time for Kansas to join Illinois, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York and many other states and end the death penalty for good.

Leann Toews

Goessel

Opportunity to show support for merchant

We have in our community a local merchant who was finally able to achieve her lifelong goal of owning a great restaurant and giving to the community around her.

Because of recent events, she is now hurting beyond words and trying her best to keep everything going, including herself.

Prior to these recent events, the restaurant was thriving; now it stands empty. I urge our great community to reach out. Provide support in any way you’re able.

I urge us not to be judgmental. “There but for the grace of God go I” is true. Even King David in the Bible, whom God called “a man after my own heart,” made some devastating choices.

So many of us are blessed with gifts, talents and good fortune. Search your hearts regarding what you can do to help. With every disappointment, there is an opportunity. This is an opportunity for us to grow as individuals in our serving, and for us to grow as an entire community. It is an opportunity for us to exhibit who we really are—not casting stones, but embracing and loving the downhearted.

In the end we stand to gain so much more than we could give. Olde Towne is a unique, historic and wonderful asset for our community. This may be an opportunity, for us as a community, to do something very special.

Pamela Buller

Hillsboro