Karla Faye Tucker

The case of Karla Faye Tucker (Column One, Jan. 9) illuminates perfectly the single greatest argument against the death penalty (be aware this is a Republican white male writing).

It seems naive to argue there are no criminal acts deserving the death penalty: Even one of the many ghastly stories told by survivors and rescuers in the Oklahoma City bombing case makes it evident that there are indeed some crimes deserving death. Consequently, this argument continues to have little impact on the national debate.

Surmounting such justice, however, is the fact that no human life is beyond redemption. Real change can and does occur in the lives of people guilty of even the most heinous acts.

Let Tucker be an example to those who cannot see beyond meting out justice that the death penalty is not the answer. The answer is instead the admittedly daunting task of struggling to help change a person’s nature.

TOM PROVOST

Los Feliz

* Your article ignores the obvious by focusing the discussion on gender. Pat Robertson and other proponents of Tucker’s commutation are not arguing for her life because she is a woman, because she is repentant or even because she has found spirituality. They fight in her favor because she has found Christianity. Had she found the Koran or the Torah, she’d never have made the 6 o’clock news.

ABBY HAYES

Manhattan Beach