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Released killer sent to Jennings County

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abathar
Wednesday, September 26, 2012: 11:29 am
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He got a 60-year jail term, the maximum at the time, and received two days of credit for each one served behind bars. He also got four years shaved off his sentence for getting two vocational degrees, and a bachelor�s degree in business management, while he was incarcerated.

And this is why so many have lost faith in our justice system. If the people who allow this to happen were forced to live next door to violent criminals when they get let out then I bet things would change in a big hurry.

nobodyimportant
Wednesday, September 26, 2012: 5:36 pm
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Abathar. If I take what you are saying to be your position on crime and punishment, you would also probably believe that we need many more prisons to keep people locked up once some kind of threshold is met. I also take your statements to mean you don't agree with rehabilitation efforts.

We already are among the world leaders in the percentage of population that is behind bars. It sounds like you are ok with many more with longer periods of time, and with no incentives for good time, rehab programs, education, etc.

Think that through and then imagine your son or daughter making some stupid mistakes of youth and winding up in the clink.

magneticdeb
Sunday, September 30, 2012: 12:08 pm
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To nobodyimportant - I agree that the lengthly sentencing of people who commit minor offenses or as you say "stupid mistakes" is an issue that needs to be addressed. However, in this case he was found guilty of killing a women and chopping her to pieces. I think you are the one who needs to rethink your position and ask yourself - what if it had been my daughter who fell prey to this maniac. Would I be satisfied that justice had been served? Would I want my tax dollars spent for my daughters killer to receive 3 degrees and a get out of jail card?

nobodyimportant
Monday, October 1, 2012: 8:50 am
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Magneticdeb. There is no description that does justice to the grief that a family experiences when a loved one is lost in such a horrific way. But when the grieving is done, and it has to end, there should be forgiveness.

I recall a mother sharing in church about the brutal beating of their son at the hand of a man who was, in the same incident, raping his fiancee. She said that the most difficult part was forgiving the man, but she knew that she had to do it. It is required. Holding on to that unforgiveness is evidenced by those who want to extend the punishment of someone who has paid the price under civil law for his or her deed. Having that kind of hardened heart is not harming the offender, only the one who is unforgiving. Consider this true story:

Several years after surviving the Ravensbruk concentration camp in Nazi Germany, Corrie ten Boom gave a public speech about the power of forgiveness. Afterward, one of the cruelest guards from the camp approached her with outstretched hand and asked, �Will you forgive me?�

To forgive is to let go of negative thoughts, feelings, and actions, and to seek a more compassionate understanding of an offender. Interestingly, studies show that seniors are more forgiving than younger people, in part because seniors have better control over their emotions and place greater value on preserving close personal relationships.

Power of forgiveness

Practicing forgiveness lies at the core of most world religions, and now, more psychologists and neuroscientists recognize its power to improve health and reconcile relationships. Forgiveness is proving to be more effective than the traditional coping mechanisms of �suppression� (avoiding a situation or offender) and �expression� (revenge and retaliation).

Forgiveness is associated with lower blood pressure, reduced stress, less depression, fewer medications taken, better sleep, more energy, a more positive outlook on life, and stronger family and social relationships. Based on such compelling evidence, more health care professionals are incorporating forgiveness therapies into their treatment programs for family counseling, heart disease, chronic pain, substance abuse, and cancer.

About her encounter with the Nazi guard, Corrie ten Boom writes, �I stood there with coldness clutching at my heart, but I know that the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart. �I prayed, Jesus, help me!� Woodenly, mechanically, I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me and I experienced an incredible thing. The current started in my shoulder, raced down into my arms and sprang into our clutched hands. Then this warm reconciliation seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes. �I forgive you, brother,� I cried with my whole heart. For a long moment we grasped each other�s hands, the former guard, the former prisoner. I have never known the love of God so intensely as I did in that moment! To forgive is to set a prisoner free and then you may discover the prisoner was you.�

Yes, as a parent, I would accept the fact that the person has paid the price. Long before that, I would have forgiven him and pray that he is a changed person.

magneticdeb
Tuesday, October 2, 2012: 10:45 am
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Wow - you do present a powerful position. It would be a great closing argument for a murder trial. That said, I personally am still not buying what you are selling. I agree there is power in forgiveness. I was taught that you forgive but you don't have to forget. Forgiveness does not right his wrong. I do not hate this person, I hate that he chose to take the life of another. Short of being insane which I assume he was not or he would have used that as his defense - it was cold blooded murder. He knew what he was doing was wrong and chose to do it anyway. Again, the sentencing guidelines for petty crimes needs to be addressed. Minor offenses carry outrageous penalties and once in the system the offender often finds it impossible to get out. I don't believe this case should qualify for early release, free education etc.....the jury got it right....murder one....60 yrs.... do less than 30....I'm still not convinced this poor women and her family got justice.

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