The Death Penalty, Abortion and Self-Protection - Life in a Civilized Society

By John J. "Jack" Hickey

The issue of life should be paramount in political discourse. Protection of non-agressive life forms should be a goal of civilized societies. The right to self defense should not be abridged by government.

Respect for life is at an all time low

These are sad times when the taking of life by acts of violence such as those in Waco, Oklahoma City, Columbine, etc. are the norm, and abortions in the United States exceeded 12,000,000 in the past 10 years.

In my own Libertarian Party, there are opinions on both sides of the Death Penalty and Abortion issues. Libertarians agree that more government is not the solution. Taking that one step further, there is a case to be made that government is the problem. The "cradle to grave" mentality of the welfare statists which permeates government policy, has decimated self-esteem and trampled on the rights of peaceful citizens seeking to provide for and protect their families. Individual choice and the right to learn by one's own mistakes, has been replaced by government choice (and mistakes). Whether it is Child Protection Services interfering with homeschooling families, or meat inspectors inflicting the governments standards of sausage preparation on family businesses whose recipes span centuries, the result is the same. Instances of hostility are bound to surface. Government has become overintrusive

Perhaps the biggest tragedy created by our "nanny" government is the carnage resulting from prohibition. Lessons from the alcohol prohibition experiment have been forgotten. Drug cartels, created by government infringment on personal choices, make mobsters of the 1920's look like boyscouts.

Self-Protection

Our Constitution places no limits on self-protection. The 2nd Amendment provides the right to keep and bear arms.

The Death Penalty

The recent execution in Texas has put the national spotlight on the death penalty. Is it possible for one to lose the "right to life"? In my opinion, the answer is yes.

Most would agree that those who violate the right to life of others, forfeit theirs. While few would disagree that our justice system is not infallible, most agree that society must be protected from predators. In extreme cases, separating the predator from society by execution under death penalty laws does that.

Wrongful Executions

Wrongful executions can be either accidental or deliberate. Deliberately wrongful executions, demand that those responsible lose their "right to life".

Accidental Deaths

Accidental deaths, by automobile, gunshot, wrongful executions, etc. are unfortunate. Civilized societies constantly seek to reduce accidental deaths. Moratoriums on the death penalty where "accidental deaths" by execution appear likely are a step in the right direction.

Abortion is not an accidental death

Our society, under the government which has evolved, can not be civilized until it acknowledges this fact, and restores a decent respect for human life at all stages of existence.