Taking A Stand On Child Killers
Wednesday - August 03, 2005
There are times in life when you are called to take a stand. Enough already of the cultural stigma associated with rising up and challenging the status quo. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard people say they would like to do something, but they can’t. They don’t want to make waves. They don’t want to call attention to themselves. That’s not the “local” style. The times in which we live render this mentality moot. It’s an outdated attitude which needs to change today.
What has to happen in our town for people to “damn the torpedoes” and cry out in unison? When is the last time our community banded together for a common good?
I recall the wonderful outpouring of love and affection for little Alana Dung. Thousands donated their time and blood to try to find a bone marrow match for her. Local media rallied around the cause. Elected officials encouraged their constituents to become donors. There was an esprit d’corps which we had not seen in a long time. Although Alana eventually lost her fight, she sparked a sense of purpose which many people remember. We need a spark again.
We have before us a scourge in our community, not only here at home, but throughout our country and around the world. I wrote last week about the incredibly violent and brutal death of young Talia Williams at the hands of her father and stepmother. According to news reports, defense attorneys are clamoring to tell their clients’ stories. Regardless of their explanations and sensational claims, these two adults are accused of murdering a child. There should be absolutely no tolerance in any society for such barbarism.
I am looking for a politician with guts and a conscience. I am calling for an elected official to be a true leader and be the standard bearer for an outraged community. Who will be the champion who will fight for legislation which mandates the death penalty for adults who kill children?
Whether it’s the Talia Williams case or any scenario of adults killing kids, these people must be subjected to capital punishment. There should be no chance for “rehabilitation.” Child killers should not be allowed to languish in our prisons on our dime. These murderers must be removed from our midst, permanently.
I know this position will sound harsh, and some may think capital punishment is equally as brutal as the crimes committed.
I don’t agree.
There are two ways to look at this issue. One is from the perspective of the perpetrator, the other from the victim. I choose to be the advocate for the victim. I understand the innocence and vulnerability of children. I know of the defenselessness of kids. When an adult takes advantage of a child’s position to exert his or her power leading to the child’s death, the foundation of our lawful society has been violated. There is no second chance. You have relinquished a place in humanity.
In order to elevate the value of a child’s life, the punishment for taking that life should equal the crime. Capital punishment is a deterrent. If an adult is contemplating the death of a child, knowing his or her life would be lost if they kill, this law may save the lives of potential victims. The death penalty ensures the murderer will never be freed nor escape from prison. Ultimately, we protect society with certainty.
Do we have the will to band together to demand the ultimate punishment for the ultimate crime? Is there an elected official who will take the lead and call for the death penalty for child killers? Are you prepared to stand up and say “enough”?
We have a choice. I hope we make the right decision.
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