State officials have had to postpone the execution of convicted murderer Michael Morales because of concerns that California's method of lethal injection is not painless ? and therefore possibly a "cruel and unusual" form of punishment. State officials attempted to move ahead with the execution under the watch of two doctors who would ensure the sedative given was strong enough, but they were unable to find doctors willing to take part in an execution. Do you support this delay as well as an investigation into whether lethal injection should be ruled unconstitutional?
This contrived controversy perverts the Eighth Amendment and mocks its intent. Lethal injection is not drawing and quartering, stoning or strangulation. I am satisfied that this standard method of execution, administered by personnel other than physicians, is up to humane standards.
The attorneys for the condemned in this case (I am loath to write his name lest he appear human) argue that their client might suffer "excruciating pain." I will resist the temptation to admit that some accompanying pain would not be that intolerable an idea. Let us recall that this vicious predator bludgeoned Terri Winchell, his 17-year-old victim. He raped her, stabbed her repeatedly, strangled and mutilated her. Did he sedate her before committing these unspeakable atrocities?
