Kats’ Korner: Opinion on Abolishing of Death Penalty

As a taxpayer, the death penalty being abolished concerns me on many levels.

In my opinion, the citizens of Nebraska should have voted on this issue. It affects the state and everyone residing within it. Our voices should be heard on an issue of this magnitude.

If I had been given the privilege to exercise my voting rights, I would have voted in favor of the death penalty.

I have many reasons to support my decision. My concern lies with the murder victims. Those that commit such a horrendous crime don’t care about the victims, or their rights. They die an awful death without any say in the matter.

Their families suffer for the rest of their lives because of the condemnable acts of another person.

Now, the murderer knows he or she won’t die because he killed someone. Once convicted of the crime, if convicted, the individual goes to prison, having three meals a day, exercising, watching television and has the opportunity to obtain a college education, all at taxpayers expense.

Not to mention the endless appeals of their case, also at taxpayers expense.

I will say, once a murderer was placed on death row, it took entirely too long to enact the law. I believe the process should have moved forward much faster. Not relevant now since the death penalty no longer exists.

I know Senator Lydia Brasch, our local Senator, voted in favor of keeping the death penalty. I commend her efforts in trying to keep the law in place, along with Governor Ricketts and all of the other legislators that did so.

I sincerely hope and pray this decision is reversed before more victims suffer at the hands of those with no respect for the lives of others.