Thoughts on execution and the death sentence

State officials have had to postpone the execution of convicted murderer Michael Morales because of concerns that California’s method of lethal injection is not painless ? and therefore possibly a “cruel and unusual” form of punishment. State officials attempted to move ahead with the execution under the watch of two doctors who would ensure the sedative given was strong enough, but they were unable to find doctors willing to take part in an execution. Do you support this delay as well as an investigation into whether lethal injection should be ruled unconstitutional?

This contrived controversy perverts the Eighth Amendment and mocks its intent. Lethal injection is not drawing and quartering, stoning or strangulation. I am satisfied that this standard method of execution, administered by personnel other than physicians, is up to humane standards.

The attorneys for the condemned in this case (I am loath to write his name lest he appear human) argue that their client might suffer “excruciating pain.” I will resist the temptation to admit that some accompanying pain would not be that intolerable an idea. Let us recall that this vicious predator bludgeoned Terri Winchell, his 17-year-old victim. He raped her, stabbed her repeatedly, strangled and mutilated her. Did he sedate her before committing these unspeakable atrocities?

I am unmoved by the infinitesimal possibility that the perpetrator might experience moments of hurt. Thank goodness he does not suffer from “aichmophobia,” a fear of needles, giving his lawyers justification to argue it is an act of cruelty for their client to be injected at all.

How about being strapped to a gurney ? what if his skin is pinched? Perhaps we should hang a painting on the wall and play quiet music so that the last sight he sees and the last sounds to reach his ears are pleasant and soothing. And speaking of hanging, I would gladly offer the condemned that option over injection.

I know that the care and comfort of the murderer should be uppermost in my mind. After all, his monstrous deed was performed so long ago that his young victim has faded from memory ? except, that is, for her family that has become familiar with unfathomable agony for 25 years. Her loved ones yet mourn her deeply, grieve for her promise, must daily remember the violence she suffered, and try somehow to survive. Her radiant smile would never again light up a room, her beautiful singing would never again thrill and delight an audience. Many who have been untroubled by her death for the past quarter-century wonder why this murderer should have to forfeit his life after such a lengthy interval between his deed and today. No doubt, too, this torturer has had plenty of time since then to find religion and thus to merit our tender consideration.

Heaven forbid the condemned suffer any needless distress. How perfectly awful it would be if he experienced awareness during the injection! But this is simply another stratagem, outrageous in its audacity and easily refutable, that has been seized upon by opponents of capital punishment to halt all executions.

This murderer is receiving the same painless type of injection administered when dogs are euthanized, and he deserves it far less than anything that walks on four legs. When the condemned prisoner dies and descends into the nether reaches of hell, whatever discomfort he might have suffered during his execution will seem merciful by comparison.

RABBI MARK S. MILLER

Temple Bat Yahm

Newport Beach

Since I don’t support the death penalty, I would be in favor of any delay for any reason. I think all devices used to put people to death constitute cruel and unusual punishment. I am in favor of keeping Michael Morales in jail for the rest of his life without the possibility of parole.

SENIOR PASTOR

JAMES TURRELL

Center for Spiritual Discovery

Costa Mesa

Any effort to clarify whether a death sentence is humane or just should be taken. The rush to justice should not make a justice system as brutal as the murderers themselves. Michael Morales admitted to brutally raping and killing a young woman. By law he has been sentenced to die. There are questions as to the testimony of witnesses and investigators, but he admitted to the crime. The only question is whether the actual method of justice is painful or not, regardless as to whom it is administered. A delay in the sentencing can only be beneficial for Morales. Death is not something to take lightly. Too many have died with their innocence in question. We should always err on the side of life.

I understand the need for justice, but as a follower of Christ, it is hard to imagine wanting to see someone die. I read the anguishing comments of the family of his victim as they heard that Morales’ execution had been stayed. They said it was like a knife was stuck into them and that it was hard to believe in God. I do not deny their pain, but they are making a choice to allow Morales to continue to victimize them. They are choosing to remain victims. It is only in forgiveness that we are truly free. Forgiveness does not mean that Morales is free of condemnation, but it means that the family can let go and leave his judgment to God, who promises justice. Justice may not come in this life, but to demand that it does is to underestimate and undervalue the full justice of God. Christ has offered forgiveness to all who will accept it. To those who accept it, he expects us to offer forgiveness just as freely as he did. To someone who has not experienced the forgiveness of God, it may be hard to imagine the beauty in letting go. I would encourage the family of Morales’ victim that their pain will not go away with his death, in fact it may grow as they realize that his death has not resolved their pain. Jesus offers them freedom.

SENIOR ASSOCIATE PASTOR

RIC OLSEN

Harbor Trinity

Costa Mesa

I think it noteworthy that two doctors (I presume anesthesiologists) were found to make sure that a lethal dose was concocted but that, as of yet, no doctors have been willing to participate in the execution itself. How can executions be justified with the physician’s first mission to do no harm? I am not saying it cannot be justified, but this is a serious question for doctors and for all of us who legislate state executions.

What is the best method to kill those on death row is a deeply religious question. Is killing another human being, whatever the method, a cruel and unusual form of punishment? Do we really appreciate what killing is and what life is? Would we personally take on the responsibility of executing Michael Morales?

I congratulate the doctors who refused to offer their services as well as all those who have diligently protested against the death penalty for so many years outside San Quentin and other maximum-security prisons.

For several years the Zen Center offered programs for meditation, anger management and stress reduction to “lifers” at Donovan Penitentiary near the Tijuana border. We came to know murderers and double murderers, child molesters and more run-of-the-mill criminals. I came to know them as people first. Their crimes, when they shared them with me, were often horrible, sometimes just very sad. I am glad all of them are alive.

I would not want to see any of them hanged, put to death in an electric chair, or given a lethal injection.

Even as a Buddhist, one of the teachings I learned from my fourth-grade teacher still holds a lot of meaning for me: “But for the grace of God go I.” What are the causes and effects that create a Michael Morales? Are mental illness, abandonment, abuse, neglect, poverty, lack of healthcare or education, or drug addiction in the mix? How would I turn out given such circumstances? Would I do harm? Would I do great harm?

I’m glad this debate about lethal injection has surfaced to once again turn our attention to the moral and religious problems of capital punishment. I’m glad Morales, however horrible his crimes, continues to live and that our representatives in the justice system have not proceeded. I hope the question of methods of execution will move us toward reconsidering the constitutionality of capital punishment and that we can soon join with the majority of the world community in finally abolishing all state-sanctioned executions.

REV. CAROL AGUILAR

Zen Center of Orange County

Costa Mesa

Yes! I support the “delay” and hope, and am praying, that state officials will seize this opportunity to ask difficult questions, such as: Why were they unable to find doctors willing to take part in an execution? Is any execution a cruel and unusual form of punishment? Is life imprisonment without possibility of parole more effective and efficient punishment than execution and the most harsh sentence we should impose?

The Episcopal Church has consistently opposed capital punishment.

Personally, I fail to understand how those of us who worship God, who’s human life suffered public execution sponsored by the legitimate civil authorities in his time and place, can support capital punishment in ours. After acknowledging that people for whom I have deep admiration and affection disagree with me, I could go on and on about this and have done so in previous columns. For me, Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:38-48 ? “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you ? love” ? is decisive. Love is “understanding, redemptive, creative, good will for all people,” as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. said. Love extends even to incarcerated shadow images of God. Not pain or fear or vengeance or retaliation or false hopes about deterring recidivism, but love.

THE VERY REV. CANON

PETER D. HAYNES

Saint Michael & All Angels

Episcopal Parish Church

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