Abolish the Death Penalty - OLD

Note: This is an old version of a resolution that has been superceded by a new one (Feb. 2008) entitled "Abolish the Death Penalty in Texas". WHEREAS we now have the option of life without parole which protects society; and WHEREAS the death penalty does not deter violent crime by others; and WHEREAS the criminal justice is flawed and innocent people have been sent to death row; and WHEREAS the criminal justice system unfairly targets the poor and minorities; and WHEREAS people who are severely mentally ill are executed; and WHEREAS people who are rehabilitated are executed; and WHEREAS executions do not bring healing to the families of victims, but only create another set of victims - the family of the executed; and WHEREAS the death penalty is more expensive than life in prison; and WHEREAS politicians use the death penalty as a tool to get elected to office; and WHEREAS the death penalty degrades society and continues a cycle of violence and vengeance, be it therefore RESOLVED, that the death penalty should be abolished. Draft by Dave Atwood, revised by Bill Crosier Mar. 2, 2006