Clemency

Kudos to Mark Warner for doing the right thing. He may be a lame duck governor--only because of Virginia's archaic one-term rule--but he has national aspirations as either a Senator or even for a Presidential or Vice Presidential candidacy. He took the most prudent path by commuting a man whose conviction may have been tainted.

I support the death penalty, but I believe there are serious problems in our administration of it. It is clearly sexist, definitely racist, and too often we are executing people whose trials are suspect and who may even be innocent. The era of DNA evidence is exonerating many inmates on death row, and thus allowing the "real killer"--to steal from OJ Simpson-- to remain free forever.

Warner did not release this man, and he is still in prison for life. At least this gives the state time to thoroughly examine his case. If he is indeed guilty and fairly tried, he will still be in prison. If he is innocent or unfairly convicted, then we can release him. Proceeding with an uncertain execution is an irrevocable act. While innocent people may lose years of their life in prison, we can never resurrect those who are unjustly executed.

Warner made sure that justice can be served without imperiling the public safety. For that he should be commended.

Gov. Warner Commutes Sentence