HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Brussels Post, 1976-03-03, Page 5What do you think?
Capital punishment
David Kennedy, a native of Brussels, is
executive secreary of the John Howard Society
in Hamilton. He's the son of Roy and Evelyn
Kennedy, and attended elementary school in
brussels and high school in wingham. He has
a BA from Ottawa University and master's
degree in social work from the University of
Toronto.
David is married and has two sons, Michael
and Mark. He will be writing occasional
columns on justice and social issues for. the
Brussels Post and the Huron Expositor. Some
of his upcoming articles will be on gun control
legislation and bail.
David is hoping for reactions and comments
from readers. He will be glad to answer any
questions about Canada's just ice and prison
systems. Write your questions and comments
to David Kennedy, care of this newspaper.
(By David Kennedy)
To kill or not to kill, that is the question!
Our society n eeds to be protected from
murderers and rapists. Our homes should be
safe to sleep in, our streets safe to walk in and
killing will make it so!
Wait a minute Something's wrong with
that logic. How can you kill people and hope to
get across the message that it is wrong to kill?
How can you brutalize one human being in the`
nameof the state and hope to get across the
message that it is wrong to brutalize human
beings? How can we protect ourselves by
putting to death those persons who have
already committed the most foul deed of
murder?
You can't, but so many of us still want to
try. Our fear of violence and harm causes us to
strike out in a manner that is violent. But if
capital punishment isn't the answer, then
what is?
I don't think anyone has "the answer" to
crime mention but alternatives to exiSting
court sanctions, including capital punishment
do exist and will provide society With as much
protection as it currently has or has ever had
under capital punishment laws,
Let's look at a few facts. SeVeral countries
(or individual states where it is a local matter)
have abolished 'capital punishment and some
have re instated it. None of these changes
have- produced convincing evidence that the
existence or absence of capital punishment
has any direct bearing. On the incidence of
murder,
A Delaware policeman had fought hard and
loudly for the re-instatement of 'capital
punishment and finally saw it come about. He
Was the first person to die Under this
re-instated law, for the murder of his wife!
Luxembourg abolished the death penalty as
far back as 1822. Britain as recently as 1970.
44 member nations of the United Nations have
abolished capital punishment with no adverse
effects. Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin :no
death penalty) have the lowest murder rates in
tne United States while Georgia, Alabama and
South ',CArolina (death penalty) have the
highest murder rates.
But be careful of statistics. They seem to be
used with great authority but little honesty. In
a publication of the United Church of Canada,
"Capital Punishment" , April, 1975 it is
stated that nine policemen and two prison
guards have been murdered since 1967. In an
advertisement by the Ontario Provincial Police
Association, January 29, 1976 in The
Hamilton Spectator they claim that 33
policemen and 2 prison guards have been
slain since 1967.. Who do you believe - the
Church or the Police?
If statistics don't prove anything, let's turn
to reason. We want to deter people from
committing murder; be it a policeman or
anyone else. Everyone seems to agree that all
murders are committed under a small number
of circumstance - a crime of passion - an act of
panic during the committing of a lesser
offense - under the influence of drugs or
alcohol - an act of an insane person - the
conscious and well planned' murder.
Which murders would be prevented
because of • a conscious weighing of
consequences ? Certainly not one committed
in a fit of rage or blind passion; certainly not
one committed by someone in a state of fear
and panic; certainly not one committed by
someone with his mind befuddled by booze or
dope; certainly not the one committed by the
individual who has lost touch with reality;
certainly not the one committed by the cold,
calculating insensitive person who is certain
he'll get away with it. Certainly , none of
them.
One last argument. Do we need capital
punishment id permanently protect ourselves
from those individuals who have proven
themselves capable of murdering someone
under the above noted 'conditions: After all; if
they 'simply receive a life Sentence they'll be
out in a few years on parole.
In fact, paroled murderers have the best
record of all parolees, In Canada, betWeen
1867 and 1974, only one person Who had his,
death sentence commuted has committed a
second murder. Can we be that sure that an
innocent person wont be hanged?
What do you think?
Love is theme
at Melville
The Guild of Melville Presby-
terian church met for their,
regular meeting on February 17.
"Love" was the theme through-
out the meeting-which was held in
the church parlour. Winnifred
Edgar read a poem on "Love".
This was followed by the hymn
"God sees the Little Sparrow
Fall".
The scripture reading from
Math.. 22, was read in unison.
Winnifred led in prayer. An
appropriate and very interesting
topic was ably presented by Ethel
Brewer. •
Hymn "Jesus Loves Me" was
sung, followed by the Mizpah
Benediction, bringing the Devo-
tional part of the meeting to a
close.
President Marg. McCutcheon
conducted the business. Minutes
were approved as read by Isobel
Adams acting secretary for Jessie
Little. After roll call and collection
there was some discussion of
business which was necessary to
finish at our next meeting.
February 25th was the day set to
clean the kitchen.
Lunch was served by Winnifred
Edgar and Ethel. Brewer.
Every week more and more
people discover what mighty jobs
are accomplished by low cost Post
Want Ads. . Dial Brussels
887-6641.
DIGGING IN — Cubs and their parents enjoyed a big
meal at the Anglican Church last Tuesday night.
There was a good turnout at the first such occasion
the cubs have had. (Photo by Langlois)
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.Brussels
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887-664 1
THE BRUtsets Pagt. MARCH 1976