What a relief to read your Feb. 6 editorial calling for abolishing the death penalty. Arguments for it, and its expansion, are both distressing and shocking - especially when the discussion revolves around what form of execution to use.

Though put forth under the guise of justice, those conversations are about how best to kill people! It's bizarre and unnerving. And using euphemisms to hide the fact that it is the taking of a person's life only makes it that much more disturbing.

If humane treatment isn't convincing enough (and it's frightening to realize that, for many, it is not), then perhaps logic will prevail.

Capital punishment is not a deterrent.

There is a risk of executing the wrong person.

And it models, under certain circumstances, that it is okay to kill a human being.

There are a lot of influential people in high places whom I admire who still support the death penalty. I find it baffling. How can reasonable people condone such a horrendous act?

Again, thank you for taking a stand.

GERRI KING

Concord