issue of death penalty

By MICHAEL THOMPSON

Staff Writer

Feb. 9, 2000 10 PM

Pike County residents have mixed feelings about capital punishment, and some take issue with the state’s means of execution.

Currently, Alabama is one of three states that has not approved lethal injection as a means of executing those on death row.

That fact, brought to the attention of the U.S. Supreme Court by a convicted Brundidge man awaiting execution, has resulted in an indefinite stay of execution while the court makes a determination.

Local residents seem to agree that lethal injection is the most humane form of execution, but many residents differ on the idealogy of capital punishment.

Virginia Loveland believes any form of execution is wrong, but leans toward the use of lethal injection if any method must be used.

"I think it is cruel and unusual punishment. If you had a choice how would you choose to go?" she said. "As a Christian I would prefer no capital punishment, but since they do, I think lethal injection is more humane."

Shirley Daniels doesn’t care one way or the other. She is interested in the ends, and not the means of the punishment.

"I believe in capital punishment," she said. "I can’t see the difference. Dead is dead, although I think lethal injection would be easier."

Samuel King opposes the concept of execution.

"I am not for capital punishment because it is cruel," he said. "I am not for murder either. Just put them in prison and let them stay there."

Diane Orlofsky sides with King.

"I have a hard time with capital punishment" she said. "One human should not take the life on another."

But Lawrence Bowden thinks some crimes deserve it, though he feels lethal injection is more humane.

"I prefer lethal injection because it doesn’t seem as crude," he said. "It would be a more peaceful way to go."