Capital punishment slowly loses ground in US

[xchrom]

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Capital-punishment-slowly-loses-ground-in-US/articleshow/10890949.cms

WASHINGTON: With a new moratorium on the death penalty in Oregon and a drop in the number of death sentences and executions, capital punishment is slowly losing ground in the United States.

Oregon governor John Fitzhaber announced Tuesday that the northwestern state will halt executions at least until the end of his mandate, joining the camp of US states that have effectively shunned the death penalty.

"I refuse to be a part of this compromised and inequitable system any longer; and I will not allow further executions while I am governor," said Fitzhaber, who said he had come to the conclusion they were "morally wrong."

The governor suspended the last execution scheduled for this year, halting the count for the number of people put to death in the United States in 2011 at 43.

[tblue]

1. Troy Davis

I wonder if that's what changed the Gov's mind. It still freaks me out that they executed him. I have always been anti-DP so I'm glad Americans are coming around to where the civilized world is.

[hayrow]

2. I always get a kick out of the cafeteria Catholics on this issue.

[libinnyandia]

3. Not just catholics. I man like Rick Perry can call himself born

again and yet is proud of how many people that have been killed in Texas bu execution. He will be surprised when he goes before his final Judge.

[tabatha]

4. Fitzhaber, Kitzhaber

Kitzhaber is a doctor and during his first stint as gov, he allowed two executions because it was the policy of the state. And it troubled him. This time after a lot of thought, he has decided to follow his desired policy. I hope the next governor follows suit.

[sabrina 1]

5. Good for him, it is nice to know that some of our elected

Representatives have a sense of justice and a conscience.

[Turbineguy]

6. Good.

Let's join the civilized world.

[LWolf]

7. Good.

I'm not always in agreement with my governor, but Kitzhhaber has my support with this.