New Jersey May End Death Penalty

My anger with New Jersey for going the civil union route for gay and lesbian couples instead of marriage has now been eclipsed by events in the Bay State. NJ is looking mighty progressive again now that a legislative panel has recommended the state abolish the death penalty.

Its report found “no compelling evidence” that capital punishment serves a legitimate purpose, and increasing evidence that it “is inconsistent with evolving standards of decency.”

The purpose of capital punishment is bloodlust and revenge. It's unconstitutional, despite what the Supreme Court says, and it's about damn time some state recognized it as indecent.

The governor, Jon S. Corzine, embraced the report on Tuesday. “As someone who has long opposed the death penalty,” he said in a statement, “I look forward to working with the Legislature” to carry out the recommendations.

Bravo!