how we do love killing folks, even the crazy ones

there was a little poll on krqe news (with good old dick knipfing) this evening...apparently almost 4 out of 5 folks responding feel that it is entirely appropriate to utilize the death penalty when the defendant is mentally ill. now i am hoping that this is just a fluke because the people that responded were likely to feel strongly about it and are pissed off about the recent murder spree here in albuquerque...but regardless, this is frightening. sometimes i forget that it is still the south down here...and we do love killing things.

i understand that people are upset, but i am slightly horrified that so many people would have no problem putting to death a person that really did not have control of their faculties enough to understand the reality of the situation or their actions. it is appalling that so many people would have no problem with actions that are so blatantly unconsitutional as this, especially when it comes to the biggest decision ever faced in our criminal justice system, whether or not to put a defendant to death.

of course many out there will think that the mentally ill can "get away" with murder. let me assure you...if the victim actually dies an insanity defense is about 99.999999 certain to fail. not only that, but when it does work, the defendant will likely spend many, many years in civil commitment. it is not like they will be roaming the neighborhood again soon.