An Extravagant Waste

Justice for Victims?

March 16, 2011 at 11:23 pm by David Kaczynski

Golden death penalty? – There’s no such thing. Gold never tarnishes, but the death penalty represents one of the most tarnished public policies in America.

It’s been tarnished by the conviction and execution of innocent people; by its disparate application based on race and class; and by its obscene cost, which sucks public resources away from law enforcement, crime prevention, and victims’ assistance programs that actually benefit the public and save lives.

Troubled Loner on Miguided Mission Kills Innocent People

Today’s headline is about Jared Loughner, who killed at least six people in a mass shooting last weekend. Fifteen years ago, a similar headline trumpeted news about my brother, Ted Kaczynski, AKA “The Unabomber.”

Opinion: Police officials argue death penalty doesn't make us safer

By James Abbott, Antonio Cluny, Bob Denmark and Ronald Hampton

SCHENECTADY DAILY GAZETTE
 

Anti-death penalty group turns focus to preventing violence, aiding victims

By Sara Foss
Gazette Reporter

CAPITAL REGION — What does an anti-death penalty organization do with itself after the death penalty is abolished?

By David Kaczynski

Most people who support the death penalty agree that it’s not a solution to the
problem of crime and violence. Rather, they believe that there are certain
particularly depraved killers, the so-called “worst of the worst,” who deserve
to die.

Recent events in Connecticut illustrate this point. In the midst of Steven Hayes
death penalty trial, state voters elected a candidate for governor who pledged
to sign a death penalty repeal bill similar to the one passed by both houses of
the state legislature (but vetoed by Gov. Rell) in 2009; meanwhile, 66% of

“Journey” is a wonderful word that evokes notions of a story, a process, and an adventure. When we complement the idea of a worldly journey with an inward journey, then we are also talking about emotional and spiritual transformation.

In the aftermath of a tragedy, there is often a hue and cry for action – and then people gradually forget. Life returns to normal – until the next tragedy happens. This recurring cycle of action and reaction only serves to reinforce a community’s sense of helplessness and our belief that nothing can change.
 

What does a caring community do when one of its members is badly hurt?
 

A month ago, Albany and Schenectady experienced an epidemic of violence – a series of shootings  and stabbings that sent three people (including an 11 year-old boy) to the hospital with serious injuries, and two others to the morgue.