I am writing in response to Robert Zeis’ article concerning the death penalty. Even though there is “almost 70 percent approval” for the death penalty, the approval decreases to 50 percent when people are informed that a life sentence without parole in Iowa really does mean “life” in prison. This indicates that Iowans are rightly concerned for their safety, even though without the death penalty, Iowa has had one of the lowest murder rates.

I write in order to widen knowledge on this issue in which there are both difficult and heavy choices — and because being against the death penalty is not, as Robert Zeis suggests, an instance of “placing the rights of criminals over the rights of victims.” Zeis also states that “men who committed these murders do not belong on this earth any longer.” In a “civilized” society that condones the death penalty, the physical aspect of the criminals may be eliminated, but their murderous nature lives on within the society that chooses to perpetuate their base spirit.

I respect Robert Zeis’ opportunity to voice his opinions, but I have little respect for his venom toward “liberals.” His adversarial language serves only to undermine his argument while marginalizing individuals that may not share his views. Instead of truly questioning the ideas and thoughts of others, Robert Zeis has chosen to attack people through stereotypes. The issue of the death penalty is a grave one, and should definitely be discussed in a more intelligent and open-minded manner.

I also question the idea of “punishment.” More often than not, individuals who are driven by vengeance are not empowered by anger, but weakened by it. I believe true strength resides in compassion and understanding. I say this not as a “whining liberal” who wants to exist in some sort of “morally loose, anarchistic society,” but as a human being who believes that as Albert Camus once stated, “there are more things to admire in (people) than to despise.”

Saysamone Vilayoune

Junior

Fine Arts