Inmate, 75, says he's too old to execute

[dragon wench]

SAN FRANCISCO, California (AP) -- California's oldest death row inmate -- a 75-year-old who is legally blind and nearly deaf -- is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to do something it has never done before: block an execution because of the condemned man's advanced age and infirmity.

Full story here:
http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/01/13/ol....ap/index.html

I've always strongly opposed capital punishment...
But, I find this appalling.
Beyond just the ethical issues... this guy is hardly a threat...

[Athena]

I say set him free, how lethal could he be gettin' around in a walker neways.

[Oscuro_Sol]

I don't think he should be set free, but for sure NOT execute him! I agree with you, DW, I don't think he'd be a threat!

[Magrus]

I don't see the point in appealing it. If I was 75, blind, nearly deaf, and stuck in prison, I wouldn't be enjoying life much.

[TonyMontana1638]

I've never been for capital punishment either, in fact I vehemently oppose it, but unless they are going to outlaw it altogether I hope this appeal doesn't go through. The part in the article that says

At the same time, some defense attorneys fear that if Allen prevails, states may restrict death row appeals -- for example, by setting firmer filing deadlines -- to prevent inmates from trying to run out the clock.

might indicate that the courts will be much more strict in deciding appeals (to prevent guys from "running out the clock") which I fear may lead to quicker, and possibly snap, decisions concerning future instances. You're right that this guy probably poses no threat, but if his appeal is granted then I fear the repurcussions. Many of these appeals are the best way to lengthen a sentenced man's life, though it would be behind bars, because of the time they take to process. In saving this worthless-excuse-for-a-human-being, the lives of thousands may be shortened. I hope he isn't put to death, but I hope this isn't the appeal that saves him.

Also doesn't it seem a bit unfair (though incredibly poetic) that he's to be executed on his birthday? That's some real BS right there.

[Athena]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magrus I don't see the point in appealing it. If I was 75, blind, nearly deaf, and stuck in prison, I wouldn't be enjoying life much.

...yeah that was the other thing I thought of...

[Magrus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Athena ...yeah that was the other thing I thought of...

*nods* You can't read, music isn't really an option if you're nearly deaf either. At 75, it's not like you do anything physical to keep busy either. What the heck is he doing in prison no less that he values his life so much? Sitting?

[Oscuro_Sol]

That's a point Mag, but boredom doesn't seem to be a good reason for death IMO. I mean, everyone is tired of life in some point, but usually that doesn't lead to death...

[Magrus]

Without getting into my problems with US laws and the judicial and penal systems...if you bend a law for a guy, for no better reason that he is OLD the law becomes invalid. Others will want to see that law bent for someone who has the flu, or someone who has cancer, or so on and such forth. If someone wishes for a system to ensure order, order must be kept, without playing favorites.

[TonyMontana1638]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magrus Without getting into my problems with US laws and the judicial and penal systems...if you bend a law for a guy, for no better reason that he is OLD the law becomes invalid. Others will want to see that law bent for someone who has the flu, or someone who has cancer, or so on and such forth. If someone wishes for a system to ensure order, order must be kept, without playing favorites.

I agree and know I won't lose any sleep if this dude is killed. I'm against capital punishment on principal, not because I believe these guys aren't deserving of it.

[Oscuro_Sol]

@Mag, That's why I hate humans. If one person gets an exception for anything, the next person wants exceptions for things too; stupid things.

@Tony, NOT Rav, That's true. I'm saying this guy doesn't deserve it, so either way works for me. It probably won't affect me in the long- or short-run.

[Magrus]

*nods* People suck. Personally, I'm in favor of the death penalty. IF certain crimes are committed. A disagreement over that is what caused Pattie and I to break up. I wanted to kill the guy who raped her. She defended him and thought I was sick. I quickly lost all respect for her when she took his side and turned on me after being raped by him. I most definately believe rape is an offense worth your life.

[Oscuro_Sol]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mag I most definately believe rape is an offense worth your life.

I agree. And I suppose, if you take someone's life, you must trade your own life for doing so.

[TonyMontana1638]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oscuro_Sol I agree. And I suppose, if you take someone's life, you must trade your own life for doing so.

I agree, but... People think I'm sick for arguing this and incorrectly believe I'm siding for the *******, but I had a friend who was caught up in this. He came to me one day and said this girl he'd been going out with said she'd say he raped her if he ever broke up with her. Can you imagine how terrible that must feel? He obviously did no such thing and we knew she was a controlling wench (we both knew this from the start but she was supermodel hot for a 17 year-old and he being a guy...), but to have that hanging over your head... All I'm saying is I agree that rape is the worst possible offense you can commit in life, above even some murder cases, and I understand the conflict behind the "He said, she said" method of proving it (which is usually the only way, hence the problem) but this event with my friend had a huge impact on my view of how this is to be dealt with lawfully. I will always, ALWAYS, sympathize with a victim and do whatever I can to help her (and I do mean ANYTHING) but that problem still lurks in my mind.

Going back to my friend, it was eventually resolved peacefully (the guy told a counselor and it was dealt with... I don't know how, but it was) but think if this girl was truly cold and cruel enough to go through with such a thing.

[Bloodstalker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Athena I say set him free, how lethal could he be gettin' around in a walker neways.

Quote:

From article : Allen is set to die by injection Tuesday for ordering three slayings while behind bars for another murder. He has been on death row for more than 23 years.

Considering he had three people killed on his word alone, I'd say the idea of his physical capacity to hurt anyone is a moot point.