Another reason that he could not make any changes in criminal punishment, is because all opinion polls over the years have shown that the citizens of the state, overwhelmingly, approve of the death penalty and a constitutional amendment didn't have a prayer of passing. Since life in prison without possibility of parole is not an option in this state, the death penalty is the only option for crimes involving brutal murders.
There is no way, no matter how hard you try, that you can lay the death penalty on GW's door step, and have justification in doing so. I, personally, would like to have the "no parole, life sentence" option but, until it is available, I support the death penalty as an option for certain crimes
Agreed that opinion polls are in favor of death penalty. But as I argued in case of prolife, an educational campaign will easily convince the voters (in this case) that death penalty in the state has not exactly been fair and an initiative for legislation should be taken that will support life in prison without parole. As a leader, Bush should have atleast taken an initiative to do something if not similiar to what Governor of Illinois had done. This is the problem with Bush, he just parrots out that he is upholding the law of land.
I humbly suggest upholding of laws is not good enough. He should propose new laws too. Laws do get antiquated otherwise we would still be seeing slavery, women not voting etc.
Being conservative is good but it should find some place for pragmatism too. |
