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Suspension of the Death Penalty

Illinois recently temporarily suspended execution of death row inmates when it was found that there was a high instance of inmates on death row that were later exonerated of all charges. Some months ago Time magazine reported that as many as 30 to 40% of death row inmates in the most populous states may be innocent. In 10 states, lawmakers have proposed legislation to place a moratorium or abolish executions until they can get the justice system under control.

There are many arguments for and against the death penalty, but the question I raise ultimately is why has the State so often blocked the admission of new evidence that could have exonerated those found guilty in error. Why does it often take a monumental effort of an unpaid journalist, loved one, or attorney, to force the state's hand to accept new evidence? If anyone hides evidence that will exonerate a person of a crime, they themselves have committed a crime against that person. But if that person is a State official, then not only have they committed a crime against that person, but they have also committed a most hideous crime against us all and against the principles of honor, justice, and integrity.

Violent Crime Has Dropped In The 90's, Why?

FBI and other law enforcement officials are quick to take credit for this drop in crime. However there is evidence to suggest that severe, unjust, and uncompassionate enforcement of laws in the inner core cities may be breeding crime and not preventing it. Another recent study suggests that the poor's access to abortion in the 70's has caused society to produce less unwanted babies who potentially later turn to crime as adults in the 90s.

The complete explanation for the drop in crime is bound to be complex but we must be ever on our guard against officials that insist that they have a quick fix if we will only give up a little more of our rights as a free people. There are many times simple and  non- intrusive answers to these problems if only if our leaders will think clearly and act in our interest. A recent change in the State of Virginia enforcement of gun control legislation is a case in point. Gun related crimes there have dropped considerably when officials started enforcing Federal legislation of a 5 year minimum sentence for illegal gun possession and crime. One arrestee was reported to say upon frisking, "You don't need to check me. You think I am crazy? I don't carry a gun."

For a just society, we need a minimum number of clear, precise, and democratically agreed on laws. We need strict, equal, but compassionate enforcement. But most of all, we must have a society that greatly values justice and stops making excuses for - and punishes - the unjust regardless of their stature or position.

John McCain and Campaign Financing Reform

Most of us have probably forgotten that John McCain was a member of the infamous "Keating Five" along with Senators John Glen, Alan Cranston, Dennis DeConcini, and Donald Riegle. Charles Keating enlisted the help of the five Senators through campaign contributions to thwart an investigation of his Lincoln Federal Savings and Loan. McCain and Glen quickly pulled out. In a two year Senate investigation, actions against Senators Glen and McCain were dismissed. Lincoln Savings failed and cost the taxpayers millions. Keating went to jail. The remaining 3 Senators that continued to assist Keating were given a mere reprimand in the case of Cranston and rebukes to DeConcini and Riegle. These remaining "Keating Three" were never returned to office by the American people.

McCain learned an important lesson as a young Senator, and has shown much courage in championing campaign reform as a Presidential candidate in this election. His first hand witness of the corruption is reason enough that we need to listen to him on campaign reform. Interesting that  McCain's co-sponsored legislation on campaign reform is being blocked by Majority Leader Trent Lott, a member of the Senate investigating committee that merely rebuked and reprimanded the remaining "Keating Three".

About The Author

bobby jennings is co-publisher of InnerSelf Publications and webmaster of InnerSelf.com.

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