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December 3, 2009

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Letter: ‘Pro-life’ extends to death penalty

Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2004 | 9:46 a.m.

I have always found it strange that in our country the most virulent opponents of abortion also seem to be the most fervent advocates of capital punishment. The excuse of saving a life in one case and exacting revenge in another is, at the very least, hypocritical.

I don't always agree with the pope and especially with his views on abortion, but at least he is consistent with his view that both abortion and capital punishment are equally sinful.

The fact that the majority of the civilized world has outlawed capital punishment should be at least enough to make one ponder. The fact that recently a governor of Illinois, after discovering that DNA evidence had voided many capital convictions, postponed all executions should at least make one pause. Even in Texas, the state with the most executions year after year, a movement to reconsider capital punishment has begun.

I have often been asked that in view of our constant military involvements, how can we justify banning capital punishment?

My reply has always been, "God, if only the Quakers governed the world."

WALTER M. JACKMAN

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