Several years ago, I wrote a letter concerning the unreliability some states were experiencing using lethal injections to carry out the death penalty.
To resolve the problem, I thoughtfully suggested those states might want to consider bringing “Old Sparky” out of retirement.
Better yet, I said, “Reviving the use of the firing squad or public hangings might prove an even more effective means of ensuring the job was done right.”
Over the past few years, I have given a lot more thought to this vexing conundrum.
For legislators who are conscientiously looking for an alternative to drug-induced terminations, aside from bullets or the rope, they need only turn to the Bible, which provides a plethora of methods for executions. It is a resource rich with alternatives to the lethal injection.
Stoning, impaling, drowning, being thrown to the lions and beheadings were all biblically employed modes for dispatching transgressors. Those techniques worked back then and I honestly see no reason why they should not work now.
For those who have a hankering for the death penalty, I sincerely believe the implementation of just one of these old “tried and true” punishments will go a long way in solving the lethal injection controversy once and for all.
I fervently believe those states and respective legislators owe it to their constituents to give solemn and sober thought to this new “modest proposal.”
Borden Applegate
Jackson
