"The Road to Repeal: Death Penalty Calculations in N.H.," is the editorial published by the Valley News.
New Hampshire stands closer today to abolishing the death penalty than at any time since 2000, when then-Gov. Jeanne Shaheen vetoed a repeal measure that had passed both houses of the Legislature.
Last week, the House overwhelmingly approved an abolition bill, setting the stage for consideration by the Senate. The bill’s prospects there are considered uncertain, but by no means hopeless. Gov. Maggie Hassan, unlike her immediate predecessors, has said she would sign such a bill into law. If this finally comes about, New Hampshire would join an expanding list of states that have done away with capital punishment in recent years, including New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, Illinois, Connecticut and Maryland.
Regrettably, there is one consideration that casts a long shadow over the state’s decision. The bill would not apply retroactively, leaving unchanged the status of the lone occupant of death row in New Hampshire. He is Michael Addison, who was convicted of killing a Manchester police officer in 2006.
SeaCoast Online publishes the OpEd, "Forgiveness takes precedence over wrath," by Robert Azzi.
In an early battle in defense of Islam's still-struggling first community in Medina, the prophet Muhammad's son-in-law Ali brought a traitor to his knees and was about to kill him when the man spat in his face. Ali sheathed his sword, knowing that to strike out of anger rather than out of acting for justice would be a sin.
Don't strike out of anger.
Next Sunday, I will join an interfaith moving vigil in Hampton to support New Hampshire's death penalty repeal effort. HB 1170 has passed the House and it's now with the Senate — please join us!
Earlier coverage from New Hampshire begins at the link.
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