State records released Tuesday show some of the convicted killers were pardoned, while others were given medical or conditional releases. He had released five other convicted killers in 2008. One of them had been granted a conditional release and was pardoned this time.
Relatives of crime victims had voiced outrage Monday after it was revealed that Barbour had pardoned four convicted murderers. Those men had worked at the Governor's Mansion as part of a prison trusty program.
Barbour had no comment when asked by The Associated Press about the pardons on the way to the swearing-in of his successor, Republican Phil Bryant.
I am shocked, not the fact that is was a Republican, but the fact that this moron allowed murderers to go free?
None of those vile scum bags should have ever been allowed to see the light of day again, and quite frankly, why weren't they executed? Sometimes I would love to go back to the old days when these filthy bastards were hung in a public square. No mercy.
I absolutely believe pedophiles, rapists and murderers, deserve no less than their deaths. This is abhorrent and a great injustice to the family and of our laws.
There must be a way to overturn this decision from this governor? I have no idea.
None of those vile scum bags should have ever been allowed to see the light of day again, and quite frankly, why weren't they executed? Sometimes I would love to go back to the old days when these filthy bastards were hung in a public square. No mercy.
I absolutely believe pedophiles, rapists and murderers, deserve no less than their deaths. This is abhorrent and a great injustice to the family and of our laws.
There must be a way to overturn this decision from this governor? I have no idea.
19 comments:
And the rate of recidivism will be high as well, IMO.
As far as I know, there is no way to overturn pardons given by a chief executive.
But why in the world did Barbour do this in the first place? I can't fathom the possible logic. Could it be budgetary?
I've never understood the pardon thing...
It should only be used for a most egregious miscarriage of justice or some other extreme circumstance.
I don't know. According to Barbour in his words:
"Let's get the facts straight. Of the 215 who received clemency, 189 were not let out of jail. They were already out of jail," Barbour told the AP.
That leaves 16 of which released included those who served as trustees at the Governors mansion. Again according to him, something done by previous governors when leaving office. There were 10 apparently that were fully released from prison by his account. Not saying that makes it right or changes the argument surrounding pardons in general but it does add some perspective.
The story as carried by fox
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/01/13/barbour-defends-controversial-pardons-as-based-on-christian-belief-in/
I haven't a clue and thought the story was awful. Sf's right..I'd always thought that a pardon only came when there was an obvious and extreme miscarriage of justice, which doesn't seem to be the case here.
The media'd probably make an even bigger stink if Barbour was totally wrong; so, maybe he isn't!?
Just read manapp's link..I wish Barbour'd leave Christians out of it.
Since when would we release a pedophile to act again? I've heard several pedophiles on TV saying they simply can't change their desires. Now what?
Murderers don't go FREE; forgiveness might come through exposing them to Bible classes in prison, or more time in the luxurious gyms we provide so many prisoners, but GET OUT? no way.
When did "an eye for an eye" stop being Christian!? :-)
what the blank is wrong with these pple hun..sick!
http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/haley-barbour-defends-mississippi-pardons-15358336
Leticia, he defends every single one of his releases and says it is because he is a good Christian and foregiveness is part of it. I think he is thinking of how Kings do such things - which simply means that he considers himself above the judiciary of his state and their compitance.
I knew this sort of thing was going to happen, I exactly said this sort of thing is possible in America with the structure and uncontrollable flexibility that exists with Governors and the boundaries between Federal and State laws. To many types of law enforcement, to many laws, and to many chiefs of which some - like Governors, having power over qualified judges and appealants.
Frankly speaking, I have never thought highly of the US legal system in general and this is a very good example of why.
Just to add a point about this event.
Apparently 21 of the inmates releases have been blocked. Interestingly 90 per cent of the releases were destined for parole - but that, for my part, is besides the point as I think a Governor should not have this right or have it severely linked to a strict criteria.
http://www.huliq.com/10473/mississippi-court-blocks-release-21-haley-barbour-pardons
AOW, I am sure many people are asking that very question, why?
Silver, I agree, but to let murderers loose, is frightening.
Man99, yes, it does add a bit of perspective, but I do not believe anyone who has ever murdered another person deserves freedom.
Z, that could be another possibility, but at this time we just don't know. If those men were innocent of their crimes then I agree they should be set free, but if they are true convicts then, no, they deserve to be in prison, period, especially pedophiles.
Angel, it is horrid that some of those men are monsters and are now free to roam our streets. I hope they truly have been rehabilitated.
Charles, I agree. We have a legal system that needs a lot of work, absolutely. None of those convicts should have been set free. Yes, you can forgive them, but don't set them free.
I firmly believe in forgiveness but I also believe you have to pay for your actions.
Z: 'When did "an eye for an eye" stop being Christian!? :-)'
Good question, I can't get to the bottom of what some of the readers here think about that. Sometimes it seems like they think that it was shown to be overturned by Jesus challenge to the Pharisees that "he who is without sin cast the first stone". Other times, you seem to think that "not one jot or tittle" has passed from the Old Law.
If not handled carefully, Christianity comes across as having something of a split personality.
DANG. That's just crazy!!!!!!! I know most states allow the governor to pardon criminals, but I don't think they should be allowed to. Unless new evidence is introduced that proves the criminal was wrongfully accused, there is NO reason a murderer or rapist should be freed early. PERIOD. EVER. Personally, I agree with you that we should go back to old-time punishments... though I prefer a firing squad myself.
Have to add a stipulation to that though... before anyone can be sentenced to death, I believe their case should be reviewed to make sure they truly did have a fair trial, not just a court-appointed-attorney who gave the case minimal attention.
Jez, I couldn't agree more. But you must also remember that many people who claim to be "Christian" are not practicing their faith as they should. And we find that a lot. I hate that they tend to pervert and disparage the Word.
Jana, firing squad works for me, especially in regards to rapists and child rapists, and murderers.
I believe that criminals should pay for their criminal acts and in the death penalty but also believe in redemption. I have mixed feelings on this one. If Barbour consulted various experts on this maybe it was the right thing to do? Although I disagree with him releasing the killers. But, I wonder how close they were to being released from jail?
Teresa, no clue on that. But I just feel there is no way a murderer should be set free.
David Berkowitz is a perfect example, he has been redeemed and preaches the gospel now, but he did the crime and he has to pay for his crimes.
it is not up to Barbour to 'forgive' these convicted criminals-
his job is - an elected official- to up- hold the law---
Carol-CS
Forgiveness is indeed Christian. And so is accountability. Reminder: the story of David and Bathsheba.
Carol, my sentiments exactly.
AOW, precisely. We can forgive them but they still have to pay for their actions.
"...why weren't they executed?"
Because liberals love murderers, rapists, pedophiles and other such scum far more than they care about the unborn.
If they do reoffend, let's hope the victim is the former governor. After all i'd rather those who make the mistake pay for it, rather than others who didn't have anything to do with it.
Post a Comment