Mary Downes

A person is guilty of murder in the first degree if s/he purposely causes the death of another, with “purposely” meaning that the actor’s conscious object is the death of another, and that his/her act or acts in furtherance of that object were deliberate and premeditated. (NH Title LXII Criminal Code, Chapter 630). So, if the State Legislature passes, and the Governor signs, HB1730, then a plain reading of the law suggests that each member who voted “yes” to the bill is guilty of murder when and if a person is put to death under the statute. “Yeah but…” doesn’t cut it here. Deliberate and premeditated causing of death is murder. Recognizing that the death penalty is still common in this country does not make it acceptable anymore than slavery or child rape being common made those acceptable in the past. Criminal justice science, psychology, sociology and political science are in agreement that the death penalty is not a deterrent. And while sexual assault against children or anyone else IS in fact heinous, and efforts should be made to eliminate such crimes, the legislature should be focused on reducing the opportunity for such crimes to occur in the first place. With Ghislaine Maxwell taking safe harbor in New Hampshire before she was arrested for acts such as are described in this bill, one wonders why those who sponsor this bill are not more outraged at the treatment she is receiving as a result of her well-heeled connections to the President and his circle of friends and supporters. Vote no on this bill. "Wield your sword against evil" by standing up to a President who pardons pedophiles and those who traffick in children for sex. The sword doesn't prevent violence or protect victims, prevention does.