Death Penalty Controversy--Cruel Punishment or Justice?
I am one of those so-called “bleeding-heart liberals” referred to in the letters. I vehemently oppose capital punishment. However, I take issue with those who accuse me of ignoring the pain of the murder victims and their families. I do feel deeply for the families of the two young men who were murdered by Robert Alton Harris. But what kind of human being would I be if I cried for one tragedy and turned a blind eye to another?
The tragedy of Harris is just as profound as that of the boys he killed. This is a truth we must all own up to. In order to be a truly moral society I believe we cannot pick and choose our objects of compassion. It must be available to all who suffer. This includes Harris.
CLAIRE SYRETT
Los Angeles
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