Letter: Death penalty not the answer

Friday, Aug. 9, 2002 | 4:49 a.m.

Regarding Mike O'Callaghan's July 23 column, "Only Tears For Samantha": I agree completely that the events that led up to Samantha Runnion and Danielle Van Dam's deaths were sick, despicable and inexcusable.

The persons who committed these atrocious acts need to be put away and never see the light of day. I agree that society should never have to worry that the same person would repeat these acts on another child.

I disagree with O'Callaghan's assessment, however, that, "Anything less than the death penalty is insufficient for the people who eagerly take young lives and sexually abuse them in the process."

I am against the death penalty primarily because I believe (except for self-defense or the defense of others) we do not have the right to take a life. I also question what we teach Samantha's family and friends when we keep the circle of violence alive.

Violence begets violence whether violence is committed by a murderer or by the state. To put the guilty away where they never have the opportunity to do these terrible acts again is necessary and right.

FATHER DAVE CASALEGGIO

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