I have been here for a while reading and listening.  I think I should tell a few things about myself so that others may be able to understand my positions.  I don’t post often, I really don’t know why.  Maybe I am shy—dunno.

I have worked in the public sector for 32 years.  I have witnessed or participated in over 75 post-mortem examinations in addition to other work.  My first autopsy was a person I knew.  That is a tough way to start a new career.  I have seen the full array of human depravity and this has molded some of my opinions on the Death Penalty.   Also there are two very personal instances in my life I may share someday.

After all these years I have determined in my own mind that prison  is for punishment  I do not deny nor debate the fact that prison has corrective and redemptive value for some inmates – it clearly does.  The deterrent value of prison is obtained when that punishment is viewed by the general public.  Prisoners in general population should do public works.

I place a high value on life.  I do not wish to inflict unnecessary pain and suffering on anyone, even those condemned to death.  For me to be confined to a small cell for even a short period of time would be sheer torment.  LWOP would not be an option for me; give me death.

I do think the victim and the victim’s family have the right to expect justice.  I pity them and grieve for them.  I do feel pity for the condemned inmate and their families; however that does not negate the punishment.  The inmate is the  cause of their pain.

So there is the problem I have.  Murderers should be punished and punished quickly.  They can never replace the life that was taken and LWOP is not acceptable to me personally, therefore, death is the only solution. 

Well that is a start.  I won’t post often but this should be enough for you to gain some insight into my thoughts.  Perhaps I can articulate my feelings completely over time.