On December 16, 2011, the Emporia Gazette published a column by Bob Grover entitled, "Abolish the death penalty in Kansas" which outlined many reasons that the death penalty in Kansas should be replaced with life in prison without the possibility of parole. Grover approaches this topic from a variety of angles, including cost, deterrence, fairness, and … [Read more...] about Excellent Opinion Piece Published in the Emporia Gazette
Victim Voices
Victim Voices: Marilyn J. Trechter "My Own Journey As an Abolitionist"
TO ACT JUSTLY, TO LOVE MERCY AND TO WALK HUMBLY My Own Journey As An Abolitionist by Marilyn J. Trechter My own journey toward abolition actually began on April 4, 1968. On the day before my sixteenth birthday, Martin Luther King, Jr. was murdered. What impressed me was that I was so saddened by the riots that occurred as a response to the murder. This man was an Apostle … [Read more...] about Victim Voices: Marilyn J. Trechter "My Own Journey As an Abolitionist"
Victim Voices: Celeste Dixon
"In 1986 my mother was raped and murdered in her rural home outside Houston. The murderer was eventually convicted and sentenced to death, an outcome I was initially happy with. Eventually I realized killing him was not going to bring her back. I forgave this man for what he had done—not for him, but for me. I realized supporting the death penalty meant that I was actively … [Read more...] about Victim Voices: Celeste Dixon
Victim Voices: Carol Samuelson
"When my 28 year old daughter Amy was murdered by the father of her 22 month old son, I had to rethink my belief in capital punishment. Some day his son will ask about his birth dad, and I would have to explain everything to him. How could I explain his father was killed because he killed Amy? If I cannot explain the logic of the death penalty to a child, then it is wrong. I … [Read more...] about Victim Voices: Carol Samuelson
Victim Voices: Candy Ruff
"Because my brother was murdered in 1982, I am often asked if I want his perpetrator to be punished with the death penalty. My unequivocal answer is NO. My faith confirms my belief that the person who took my brother's life will pay for his crime in the here after. The punishment the Lord has in mind is much harsher than anything our legal system could inflict on earth. … [Read more...] about Victim Voices: Candy Ruff