The Norman Transcript

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January 31, 2013

Fallin could make history again

The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — Editor, The Transcript:

Gov. Mary Fallin made history by becoming the first female governor of the state of Oklahoma.

Many Oklahomans believe that Fallin has brought a greater feeling of hope, compassion and forgiveness to state government. To continue in that same direction, another good way would be to show more respect for human life and get rid of the death penalty in Oklahoma.

Granted, it is our duty to punish those who commit terrible crimes. We do not, however, have the right to murder them. We are all going to die someday, some in not a pleasant way. Why don’t we let God do his work his way?

State financed homicide involves all of us. We’re forced to take part in every killing that takes place in McAlester prison. The financial price of this far exceeds the cost of putting these same people in prison for the rest of their lives without a chance for parole.

In this way, if new evidence is found that clearly shows that the prisoner is innocent, they are alive and can be set free. There have been several such cases here in Oklahoma. It does happen. It is very clear that the death penalty does not deter violent crime. If it did, we would not see the violence on our streets that we see today in Oklahoma.

It is extremely difficult to raise our children to have respect for human life when we as a community use the death penalty as a punishment. Please, Gov. Fallin, take us out of the killing process and do away with the death penalty in Oklahoma. You have that power, and we would all be better for it. Indeed, Gov. Fallin, you would truly make history again.

Jim and Ann Fowler

Oklahoma City

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