Above is a recent picture of a public hanging in Iran. Of the 18 nations in the world still doing executions (the United States surpassed by only China, Iran, Iraq, and tied with Saudi Arabia) half of them do it publicly: Thailand, Afghanistan, Yemen, North Korea, China, Saudi Arabia, Viet Nam, Rwanda and Iran.
Sure we all see this Pickul KIND OF PERSON in comments online or hear them calling in to hate radio or as the hate radio hosts themselves. But it is unusual to see those who so adamantly want to emulate Iran given a platform in a newspaper from the 4th largest city in America.
The state of Texas is at present having a discussion on capital punishment as one person on Death Row was recently found innocent and released and because of a FRONTLINE documentary which found the state of Texas most certainly wrongly executed Cameron Willingham for the arson death of his 3 children. The state of Texas and the governor are doing everything possible to stop the discussion and get on with more executions.
What I find most disgusting in this letter is the religious reference which I will safely assume is a Christian sanctifying public executions. But on the bright side Mr Pickul is too stupid to understand that it is those opposed to capital punishment in this country who want to make them public which is sure to stop the barbaric process once and for all.
Regarding "The death penalty" (Page B11, Jan. 2), sure, mistakes happen in all things.
However, the death penalty should remain in effect. In fact, we should bring back public hangings to show those so inclined to commit murder that hanging is what can happen to them should they kill. All hangings should be done no later than one week after a conviction, not 10 to 12 years after the fact.
Your editorial shows just how left-leaning your paper is. Pray, if you believe in God, that no one rapes and murders a wife, daughter, mother or other loved one of yours. I can assure you that you would change your mind about the death penalty then.
John C. Pickul Jr., Bellaire