One of the highlights of 2007 for progressives in the US is surely the elimination of state-sanctioned killing of the incarcerated in New Jersey. Just a few days ago, New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine, signed a bipartisan bill ending the death penalty in New Jersey. Most striking to me is just how much Governor Corzine understands what is most morally troubling about capital punishment, i.e. the societal endorsement of violence against someone who is or can be made virtually incapacitated with regard to his/her ability to kill again. Just as important is Governor Corzine's recognition of some of the strongest moral sentiments supporting the death penalty,
“Other good people will describe today’s actions in quite different terms — in terms of injustice — particularly those who carry heavy hearts, broken hearts from their tragic losses,” he said. “This bill does not forgive or in any way condone the unfathomable acts carried out by the eight men now on New Jersey’s death row. They will spend the rest of their lives in jail.”
[Hat Tip: Sojourner's SojoMail]
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