From CNN, “Alabama has scheduled the execution date for the first inmate in the nation who will be executed by nitrogen hypoxia, an alternative to lethal injection, the governor said. Kenneth Eugene Smith’s execution by lethal injection was abruptly canceled [on] November 22 after the state was unable to properly set the IV line before the warrant for execution expired. He asked the state to be put to death by nitrogen gas rather than lethal injection after what he called a ‘botched’ execution.”
About time! I wrote on this method a long while ago when there was an uproar about states being unable to get the conventional drug cocktail for executions. Anyone who follows me should understand by now that I’m not your typical weak-kneed, lovey-dovey liberal. I believe in the death penalty. However, I think it should be like abortions — “safe” (quick and painless), legal, and rare. I don’t think it is a deterrent; it is strictly used for punishment and maybe revenge if you are the family member of the victim(s). I always thought nitrogen hypoxia was the most logical alternative. As I advocated when I first offered my opinion on the topic, all the state needs to do is build an airtight chamber the size of a small room with a La-Z-Boy recliner, a T.V., and some magazines. The murderer enters, relaxes, and before he knows it, he’ll start feeling a bit high and punchy before he falls asleep and dies. It’s just that f***ing simple. No needles, no drugs, no digging for a vein. None of that sh*t. I don’t know why this is not the preferred method. (In Alabama’s case, they want to put a mask on him to deprive Smith of oxygen. Even so, I think a mask is still too intrusive.) As an aside for this case specifically, the jury voted for life imprisonment, but the judge overruled them and imposed the death penalty. I do not think the law should allow for this. Only a jury, not a single person (a judge), should impose such a sentence. In this circumstance, Smith should not be executed, but the South is rather execution-happy.