We are all aware of the neocon theory of Unitary Presidential Power, and the neocons have just expanded Bush’s power to execute prisoners onto the international stage.
I have always been ambivalent about the death penalty, the main reason being that while it seems unfairly imposed in America, there is only one way to stop a Ted Bundy. Remember when he escaped from custody and went on a murdering rampage, until he was caught and executed in Florida? I didn’t feel too bad about Ted Bundy’s execution and I don’t feel too bad about Saddam Hussein’s. But Bush has just set a new precedent for America and the death penalty. He invaded a Sovereign Nation, and executed its leader. (WWII doesn't count-they attacked us). Let me put it another way; it is now legal to depose and execute a sitting head of state, according to the Bush Administration. Serial crimes progress, in this case from state to federal to international:
- 152 people executed from 1995-2000 in Texas by George Bush (the most of any governor) Lets not forget Karla Faye Tucker and Bush’s sick impersonation of her:
'Please,'" Bush whimpers, his lips pursed in mock desperation, "'don't kill me.'"
(Wikipedia)
- federal executions since president. The first was Tim McVeigh less than six months after Bush took office. The second, a week later, was an execution that Clinton has delayed. They were the first federal executions since 1963. (Bureau of prisons ) (CNN)
- Saddam. Well he's been in office for six years, and its been almost four years since his last execution (wow- 3/18/03-when did we invade Iraq?), but he did it. He invaded another country to execute another person.
So, who’s next? Who will they execute? President al Asad of Syria? Ahmadinejad of Iran? Prisoners in Guantanamo?? I don’t think Bush will settle for executing a mere federal prisoner after this.