Executions in Texas

* Re “The Art of Execution, Texas Style,” April 11: Practicing compassion at all times is a most excellent goal, but the pursuit of justice is more worthy. The greatest tragedy of our time is the loss of a sense of justice. Actions always bring consequences, and we reap what we sow.

I am not at all surprised by some of the mindless thoughts of the prison officials who were quoted in your article. California’s criminal justice system has been reduced to a “criminal system.” Good-intentioned but ignorant judges who do not grasp the concepts of human nature have left law-abiding folks wondering who will be their advocate.

John Hamm, spokesman for the Alabama prison system, thinks it is proper to preserve an inmate’s final words. I would suggest that the taxpayers of Alabama might better demand justice in their state by not dishonoring the family member, neighbor or police officer killed by some low-life thug. Who will remember the victims? A spirit of triumphant justice should be present in each hangman’s noose.

SAM KNIGHT

Yucca Valley

* Your article says that since Texas reinstated the death penalty in the 1970s, that state has executed 211 inmates, with about 450 more on death row. This rate is approximately three times that of its closest runner-up, Virginia, with 76.

I would hope that the 450 Texas inmates still remaining on death row appreciate the fact that their governor, George W. Bush, is a “caring” conservative. I shudder to think of his state’s ultimate execution rate if it had a “non-caring” governor.

LOUIS ROBINS

Van Nuys

* I was thrilled today to read about Texas’ artistic implementation of the “craft” of executions and superb performance of the Texas wardens. Hey, maybe you could tell me whom I could talk to in Texas about the mechanizing rights?

Shame on them, and shame on us.

PHIL BAUMAN

Valley Village