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Opinion
The following is presented as part of The Columbian’s Opinion content, which offers a point of view in order to provoke thought and debate of civic issues. Opinions represent the viewpoint of the author. Unsigned editorials represent the consensus opinion of The Columbian’s editorial board, which operates independently of the news department.
News / Opinion / Letters to the Editor

Letter: Enforce the death penalty

By Dennis Franklin, Camas
Published: January 31, 2018, 6:00am

Our governor and attorney general are going against the will of the people. The last time the death penalty was on the state ballot, it passed by a margin of 3 to 1. How can a few individuals supersede the will of the people? I thought it was a government for the people, by the people, not run by a few select individuals with their own private agenda.

The death penalty needs to be kept in place. If there are flaws in the system, they need to be corrected. There is currently no deterrent for those who commit first-degree murder. They get life in prison without the possibility of parole, three meals a day, medical/dental, library, TV and an exercise yard. That’s no hardship compared to a family member who is left with multiple children to raise alone.

If it is too expensive, review the appeals process and limit the number of appeals. If a law enforcement officer is killed, there should be no appeal.

Ask your representatives to vote “no” on SB 6052 — retain the death penalty. If all else fails, the death penalty should once again be placed on the ballot and let the people decide whether or not the death penalty should be abolished.

We encourage readers to express their views about public issues. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for brevity and clarity. Limit letters to 200 words (100 words if endorsing or opposing a political candidate or ballot measure) and allow 30 days between submissions. Send Us a Letter

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