Calgary Sun Publishes My Letter

I sent a personal email to Licia Corbella on her editorial critical of the Harpocrites reversal on clemency and the death penalty for Canadians abroad. It may be one of the few things Licia and I agree on.

But since, as she wrote back, she had been swamped with letters critical of her stance she asked if she could publish it in the Calgary Sun. Here it is with adjoining letters in favour of capital punishment.

Letters: November 6

UPDATED: 2007-11-06 03:39:34 MST


By SUN READERS

CORBELLA'S DEAD WRONG

It was disappointing to read Licia Corbella's point of view that Canada should seek clemency for a convicted killer facing the death penalty in the U.S. ("Death row inmate leaves PM unfazed," Nov. 3.) In this, I support Stephen Harper. When our citizens commit crimes on foreign soil, they do so knowing the legal system is different than at home. We owe them nothing other to try and ensure they get a reasonably fair trial, as defined by the country they are in. I am not a supporter of the death penalty, but this is not our business. The U.S. is a sovereign country with a reasonable justice system. How would you like the Texans to come to Canada and execute one of their fugitives because, according to their laws, that would be the thing to do? Harper and the government deserve praise for this, not condemnation.

Werner Harder

(Not to mention the killer could be paroled if he's returned.)

---

PUT DEATH PENALTY TO VOTE

Maybe it's time for a referendum on capital punishment. I for one would vote in favour.

D. Gervais

(If ever there was a divisive issue, it is capital punishment.)

PRINCIPLED STAND

Excellent Nov. 3 editorial by Licia Corbella on capital punishment. I must say I am surprised since she seems such an avowed conservative, but I am pleased to see her stand on principle. Thanks for this clear-headed opposition to the Harper government's anti-democratic decision to abandon a long-standing Canadian policy to oppose capital punishment at home and abroad. It bodes ill.

Eugene Plawiuk

(Harper's government should make it clear whether it plans to reopen the debate on this issue.)

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Stockwell Day capital-punishment, Canada, Stephen Harper, death penalty, Licia Corbella, Edmonton Sun, Calgary Sun, lethal injection, U.S. Supreme Court,

Conservative Columnist Opposes Capital Punishment

In an editorial in today's Edmonton Sun,and Calgary Sun, Calgary Sun columnist Licia Corbella speaks out opposing the Conservative Governments reversal on capital punishment .

She spanks Harper for his decision to abandon a Canadian to face lethal injection in the U.S. In particular she points out, as I have, that it reveals the Conservatives hidden agenda regarding Capital punishment.

Now Licia is no raving left winger, heck she is proudly opposed to all things Liberal. She is a dyed in the wool conservative, check out her columns, and yet even she is appalled at Harpers anti-democratic, executive decision to overturn a longstanding Canadian policy. I quote;

"Canada is a country that opposes the death penalty. Period.

Now, with no debate, the minority federal Conservative government has changed decades of Canadian foreign policy to stop seeking clemency for Canadians facing the death penalty in other countries.

Asked about his government's about face on protecting a Canadian from the death penalty, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said seeking clemency for Smith would run counter to his government's tough stance on crime.

In other words, Harper is comfortable with reversing decades of democratic Canadian procedure while in a minority position, but isn't comfortable being at odds with party policy.

How's that for a killer of logic not to mention Canadian ethics?

It's also bad politics for the Tories, who have been portrayed with having a scary "hidden agenda" that they will roll out should they ever win a majority.

Yes, Smith is a monster. But Canadians decided long ago that capital punishment is an even bigger monster.

Shame on the federal Tories for letting it loose. "

Some honorable gentleman; "Here, Here."

When the right wing press and its columnists oppose this decision you know that it ain't as popular with the base as the Harper hoped it would be. It's a big political duh' oh.


See:

Capital Punishment Poll

Say No To Capital Punishment

Pro-Life Pro-Death

Free Kadhar

More Foreign Affairs Incompetency

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Stockwell Day capital-punishment, Canada, Stephen Harper, death penalty, Licia Corbella, Edmonton Sun, Calgary Sun, lethal injection, U.S. Supreme Court,