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Sunday, Jun. 14, 2009

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Community Conversation: Even outnumbered, I stick to my beliefs and respect the others

By Don Taylor, Kennewick

Even outnumbered, I stick to my beliefs and respect the others

Since the death penalty discussion was my first invitation to participate in the Herald's Community Conversation program, I have nothing to compare it to and thus I must issue the following thoughts:

The proctors of the meeting from the Benton-Franklin Dispute Resolution Center were exceptional in managing the dialogue.

I encourage anyone with a desire to get involved and who has something positive to contribute to look into future Community Conversations.

The proctors kept us all moving in a positive direction, kept our focus, kept it civil, polite and constructive.

The proctors were especially adept at interpreting the complex thoughts being conveyed by the participants, and I for one thought is was very enlightening to hear and discuss the thoughts and feelings of others.

As for the death penalty, I was not dissuaded from my beliefs as a result of the majority of the other participants. I do respect all of the very insightful, difficult and sometimes profound beliefs of the others.

As I recall, I was one of three participants who defended the practice of eliminating those who are not salvageable humans.

I am still unable to wrap my mind around the thoughts of those who defend a killer's right to live even in a scenario of the ultimate in guilt - an innocent victim, indisputable proof of guilt, a confession, witnesses and a killer with absolutely no redeemable human value and a disdain for human life, who would kill again and enjoy it.

Yet, there were those who thought, "Well, we have killed one or two innocent suspects, so it is an imperfect system and thus we should kill none."

This is too profound for me. I hope they never lose a loved family member to one of the animals they would let live.

I do not wish to ridicule the beliefs of others, but they simply are not my beliefs. I do respect each and every person who attended and respect their point of view.

I am grateful for having had this opportunity and look forward to meeting in this forum again.




Editorials are the consensus of the Tri-City Herald editorial board.
Editorial board members are Rufus Friday, publisher; Chris Sivula, editorial page editor; Ken Robertson, executive editor; Matt Taylor, contributing editor; Lori Lancaster, editorial writer; Shelly Norman, editorial writer and Jack Briggs, retired publisher


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