So, is today the day I become a Murderer?

[Throckmorton]

Will Connecticut kill Micheal Ross tonight?

I think this may be the last day for him. Yes, he is a vicious multiple murderer, and needs to be kept in prison for life, but I'm still uncomfortable with the death penalty. I know if it was one of my loved ones who he had murdered I'd have a different perspective on the death penalty. However, isn't that why we have a Justice System in the first place, to remove some of the passion from the process and insure fair punishment?

[erichzann]

1. That's why loved ones should be the Judges

"I know if it was one of my loved ones who he had murdered I'd have a different perspective on the death penalty."

Emotional reaction does not equal right or just reaction. Of course you'd want to see the person who killed your loved one put to death. You'd probably even want it to be cruel and unusual, which is why its a good thing that loved ones of victims are not the judges responsible for delivering ethical and honorable impartial justice.

So I agree with you completely.

[Atman]

2. It's a sad day for Connecticut, Throck.

I'm deeply saddened that "the Constitution State" is taking a major step backward, even while the rest of the world, even the rest of the United States, wakes up to the injustice of State Sanctioned Murder.

[NewJeffCT]

3. I hope it's not, but it is looking that way.

I'm very sad about this. I've been following the Ross case since I did a study on the death penalty in college while I was at UConn... and this was back in the late 80s.

Unfortunately, the Ross case is not one to inspire change. If it was a more questionable case, I could certainly see sympathy in the legislature for overturning the death penalty. However, Ross was convicted of killing several young women and has not really done anything to engender sympathy on his behalf. If this was Texas, he would have been executed 13-15 years ago.

[Liberalgirl788]

4. Murdering Ross proves what?

They are going murder someone to prove that murder is wrong? What am I missing here? I hate to keep saying this but I will. Our party is in the majority....We supposedly have a big majority in both houses. So then, what are they doing about important issues like the death penalty besides remaining silent?

[NewJeffCT]

7. Murdering Ross proves nothing

Other than satisfying the disillusioned pro-death penalty crowd...

Yes, Democrats have big majorities in both houses, but many of the Dems are pretty moderate and have more in common with Lieberman & Rell than Rosa DeLauro, John Larson, etc.

[Liberalgirl788]

12. moderate Democrats you say?

Now that we have rid the state of Republicans in the house and senate... how do we get rid of those Joe Lieberman Democrats that want to vote like a Republican? IMHO, they are not any better than Repukes. We need more people like my Rep Jim O'Rourke who is dedicated to the liberal cause.

[NewJeffCT]

13. We need to start at the top...

If we can get Rell out, it will make a huge difference, I think.

Unfortunately, I don't see many Fundie / Far Right types in CT to run against Rell from the right & siphon off votes that way.

[cassandra uprising]

5. Good point

It doesn't make it any easier, but you're right it could be worse, we could be in Texas.

[cassandra uprising]

6. I heard it will be in the early a.m.

Friday the 13th. Ain't that some shit? What disgusting irony.

I feel ya. It's surreal.

[Throckmorton]

8. The deed is done,

and it's up to us to see that it never happens again.

[NewJeffCT]

9. agreed

I have a feeling if they put the death penalty up to a vote now (with life in prison with no chance of release to take its place) instead of a month ago prior to Ross' execution, it would either pass, or come a lot closer to passing. Of course, Rell might veto it... but, she surprised me by agreeing to the min. wage increase, so who knows?

Michael Lawlor made a good point on WTIC radio this morning... there have been far more people put in prison for life w/o parole and they basically drop off the face of the earth. Michael Ross has been made into a celebrity because of the death penalty (a caller on Colin McEnroe the other day said that Ross was a topic on that "Coast to Coast" conspiracy theory overnight show on WTIC - and CtC is a nationally syndicated program) Lawlor has also said that Ross has basically controlled the process since requesting he waive his appeals 10 years ago.

[cassandra uprising]

10. thanks for the update, Jeff

I didn't catch the broadcast. Lawlor's absolutely correct. I feel sick. I think I'm going to stay away from the boards today.

[cassandra uprising]

11. it's a sad in CT

I don't get it. I just don't get it.

[Hippo_Tron]

14. If one of your loved ones was murdered, you'd want to kill them yourself

Does that mean that you should be allowed to?