It doesn’t make sense that people on death row often sit 20 years or longer before they are executed. Not only do they die every day in their mind, but taxpayers have to pay for them. Plus, killing those convicted doesn’t bring back the ones murdered.

Stanley Williams sat more than 23 years on death row in San Quentin, Calif., until his execution. Six years were spent in solitary confinement. Williams wrote several children’s books that won the international Nobel Peace Prize. He wanted to send a message to kids not to take the gang-ridden route he did and end up on death row. He found redemption in God.

In 1945, Lena Baker became the only woman executed in Georgia’s electric chair. It took just four hours to convict her and six minutes for her to die in the chair. Years ago in Alabama, a man died in the Atmore “Yellow Mamma” electric chair. The chair malfunctioned and was in need of repair.

Even though most states now use lethal injection for executions, it is a cruel death and very controversial. These people need a second chance. God forgives.

Many find religion and are changing their lives for the better while in prison. Let’s join most countries that oppose the death penalty.

Margit Suesser
Anniston