Not to be outdone, Florida's trying to execute someone tonight

[NightWatcher]

And we're not hearing a fuss


http://m.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/sep/28/execution-death-penalty-florida?cat=world&type=article

Lawyers are making last-minute attempts to stop the execution of a Cuban national who is scheduled to be die by lethal injection on Wednesday afternoon in Florida, in a case that campaigners suggest highlights the cruel and unusual treatment of death row inmates.
The US supreme court is currently considering three separate appeals for a stay of execution to be brought in the case of Manuel Valle, who is due to die at 4pm ET. Protests have been made over the length of time he has spent on death row, the fact that he has been denied a clemency hearing and the use of an untested drug should the execution go ahead.
On 2 April 1978 Valle was driving a stolen car in the Coral Gables area of Florida. He was stopped by a police officer, Louis Pena, 41, who checked his car registration. While he was doing so, Valle shot him fatally with an automatic pistol.
Valle was hurriedly put on trial and sentenced to death that same year, after his defence team was allowed only 24 days to compile their case. On appeal, he was given two further hearings and again sentenced to death on both occasions.

[TreasonousBastard]

1. And Georgia set a 10/5 execution date for Marcus Ray Johnson...

the day after they killed Troy Davis.

But why stop at them since there are over 3,000 people on American Death Rows as we speak, with Texas still the undeniable champ.

[ladjf]

2. These continuing executions (murders) are hurting Americans

morale and respect for law more than people know. All of us have to share in the sorrow and shame each time we hear about another government sanctioned murder. We have got to get control of the barbarians who are calling most of the shots in the United States. (But, I have no idea how that can be done.)

[Obamanaut]

3. Perhaps he should not have been driving a stolen car, and he certainly

should not have shot the officer. For the stolen car charge he would have been out of prison by now.

From the OP "...On 2 April 1978 Valle was driving a stolen car in the Coral Gables area of Florida. He was stopped by a police officer, Louis Pena, 41, who checked his car registration. While he was doing so, Valle shot him fatally with an automatic pistol...."

[hlthe2b]

4. Oh? Another uninsured seeking health care?

Sorry, I know it is wrong to be flip. Both issues are absolutely weighing heavily on my mind and I tend to cope with a bit of dark humor.... :mad: