Capital Punishment in America
Capital punishment needs more enforcement in the United States. Currently, 22 of the 40 states that allow executions have either placed moratoria on capital punishment or are considering it (NPR, 2007). This needs to be rectified as soon as possible, as capital punishment is our only strong deterrent to these crimes. The possibility of life in prison does not faze many of these murderers. The author believes that the nation as a whole needs to follow the lead of Texas and Tennessee, who are seeking to broaden what qualifies for capital punishment, specifically child molesters. Also, the state of Virginia is seeking to allow executions for accomplices to murder (NPR, 2007).
During the 1990’s the nation averaged 300 executions per year, but in the 2000’s less than 100 per year took place (Death Penalty Info, 2007). The numbers for executions are going down, but capital crimes are not. So why are the states floundering when 2/3 of Americans are pro-capital punishment (NPR, 2007)? Many claim the capital punishment is too skewed racially, but a look at the statistics proves this to be incorrect. In fact, there are more whites executed than blacks, Latinos, and Asians combined. Almost 80% of all accused murderers are white (Death Penalty Info, 2007). Another claim is that capital punishment is cruel and unusual, and barbaric. Well, so is murder! Why should we be so concerned with an inmate experiencing a small amount of pain in their death? Nothing can compare to the pain they cause to the victim’s families, and their own families for that matter. If anything they don’t suffer enough.
Overcrowding in our jails is a serious issue. Now that these states have suspended executions it’s only getting worse. Now, because of overcrowding, rapists, child molesters, and even murders are being released early to prowl your neighborhoods, and possibly move in next door to you. Swift justice and quicker executions can alleviate this problem. In this...