http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/04/15/rape.execution/index.html

For the first time in 44 years, a state is preparing to execute a man for a felony other than murder. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments Wednesday on whether Louisiana can use capital punishment in child rape cases. “

“A lot of people think there should not be the death penalty [in this case] because the child survives,” said Kate Bartholomew, a sex crimes prosecutor in New Orleans. “In my opinion the rape of a child is more heinous and more hideous than a homicide.” “

Ok, stop there. I’m hoping that the prosecutor has something more than, “In my opinion….”

Listen, I don’t give a fuck about anybody’s feelings on issues like this one. What are your principled philosophical reasons for thinking that this man deserves the death penalty?

Of course it’s a terrible crime. But you can’t just declare people to deserve death. And no amount of simply using strong adjectives is going to convince me.

“Louisiana has been a pro-death penalty state for a very long time,” the prosecutor added. “And I think a lot of people agree with the death penalty for this type of case here in our state.” “

Oh yeah. Appeal to the public. What a crock of shit! As if the general public is always right, especially on issues concerning life and death. The question of death penalty is not purely a legal question. It’s a moral issue, too, and appeal to the public’s attitude is not exhaustive–by any means–of the supposed moral solution to the problem.

This prosecutor is something special. Like “needs a padded room” kinda special.

-MC Spanky McGee