Response to "Death and Justice," by Edward Koch

This is an article written by a liberal who supports the death penalty. It starts out by quoting what convicted murderer said in their final words before they were executed. They all stated that "Killing was wrong, no matter who does it," including the government. This seems like a last stitch effort on the criminal's part to save their life. Murder is wrong, but words weren't going to separate these murderers from their heinous past. They were all put to death.

Mr. Koch argues seven main points, all of which I can relate to, and most of with which I agree entirely. Not only does he "debunkify" the myths associated with capital punishment, but he makes claims as well. He objects to statements like "no other democracy allows the death penalty." He claims that if other countries had the amount of crime (in comparison) and support from the general public on the topic, then they would. I agree, that in some of our largets cities the rates can be large in comparison (at least to smaller ones). Also, he raised the point that not many people are found innocent after death. In fact, those who make it off death row sometimes kill again, multiple times.

Mr. Koch is an extremely courageous man for backing his support of the death penalty as a liberal. (He supports most liberal causes, but it does not describe his stances on other things but as liberal) . It shows that party lines need to be drawn more vaguely, because no person in one party should take criticism for a believe they hold themselves. I do support the death penalty because I think of it as a deterrent, but Mr. Koch provided some other excellent examples, and he argued against some of the adjacent points.

The death penalty is a deterrent because it reinforces the morals of Americans. Most Americans wouldnt be able to commit murder, or don't endorse it because it goes against their religion, or for other reasons. When you add the fact that the government could have the right to execute someone for doing so, the average American would likely never attempt such a dangerous, immoral to their own morals) crime.

Mr. Koch supports the death penalty, much like I do. I am glad that he is not a political figures who holds his value according to basic party lines.