Death penalty takes a needed step back

I am a fiscally conservative person. I tend to vote republican/libertarian, but I’ve voted for many democrats and independents in my day (never a green, but I generally consider them socialists.)

I was very happy to find out that the Supreme Court has ruled the execution of juveniles is unconstitutional. I abhor the death penalty, not because I believe it is cruel and unusual, but because it is unnecessary.

I strongly feel that the government does no better job of protecting its citizenry by strapping them down and executing them for whatever crime. Why is it ok to have the government do work that is illegal to every citizen?

If a person can be permanently removed from society by incarceration for life (which I do support) then such action should be taken. The only problem I have is that in Texas, one of the toughest states when it comes to doling out sentences, does not have a life-without-parole option for juries. In capitol murder cases, that is akin to presenting juries with the options of the death sentence, or a 25 year sentence (as a prisoner is eligible for parole after 25 years in this state, regardless of the sentence.)

Today, I have already written my reps and encouraged them to introduce legislation to allow for life-without-parole. I encourage anyone reading this in Texas to do the same. Citizens can find their representatives
here