We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming (lighthearted randomness about my normal every day life) with a diversion to local politics. So, if you have no interest in politics, or my opinion of them, then please feel free to read no further. Don't worry, I won't mind (or hold it against you). :)
It was a slow day at the office, and when that happens I often find myself browsing the news. CNN, BBC, NBC, and finally KGW (Portland's local news station).
While browsing I found this article:
http://www.kgw.com/news/Kitzhaber-to-address-capital-punishment-ahead-of-Haugen-execution-134351233.html
Basically, Oregon's elected and sitting governor, has effectively banned the State's voter approved death penalty, stating that he will not enforce it while he is in office.
Why? Not because he thinks that all of the 37 death row inmates in Oregon are innocent, or that they haven't properly been proven guilty, or because he believes their sentence was unjustly given, but because he personally believes that it is "morally wrong."
I think that is crap.
Now don't misunderstand the point I'm making. I am in no way making a statement as to my personal beliefs one way or the other about capital punishment, and whether or not it is right or wrong. What I am saying is that it is crap that the governor feels it is fully within his right as an elected official to weigh his own personal beliefs as more important then the will of the public he was elected to represent.
Oregonians, regardless of the margin of approval, reinstated capital punishment in 1984. It is the LAW. Period. And regardless of the governors personal opinion on the subject, the last time I checked he was not above the law. In fact, as any public servant will attest, he is a servant of the law.
That is why stays of execution exist. That is why pardons exist. And, this is why the appeals process exists. But they exist to be utilized and enforced on a case by case basis, as the law directs and allows. But to make an overarching statement that he will not stand for it in any case because he doesn't believe in it's morality is not only irresponsible, but I believe it is against the spirit of his elected position: To represent the will of the people.
If he truly believes the law to be contrary to the will of the people, then allow the people to vote on it again. That is what a democracy is.
I'm sorry Mr. Governor. But this is neither a dictatorship, nor is it a monarchy. I'm sorry that your personal opinions are contradictory to the will of your state, but the bottom line is that you are no more above the law then I am, and to be frank, your personal beliefs only matter when sitting in a jury box, or when voting a ballot measure into law, not in the actual enforcement of it.
Capital punishment may be right. And, alternatively, it may be wrong. Regardless it is not your sole choice to make.
