One of the Manson family murderers has the chance to be released. California has a law that allows inmates who are terminally ill to petition for release to be cared for by their family members at their expense. It is through this law that Susan Atkins may be entitled to get out of prison.
Susan Atkins was one of the members of Manson's "family" who killed Sharon Tate (an actress) and others at Manson's direction. Details about the crime can be found at Professor Douglas Linder's famous trials website here.
I understand the desire to be compassionate. But there are circumstances where I think compassion needs to come from a source other than the state. This is one of those situations. Don't give her the dignity of a release - show the People of California that her life sentence meant what it said.
2 comments:
How ridiculous is that?
Incredible.
What is the purpose of incarceration? If it is to protect society then clearly the purpose is accomplished. If it is to deter (arguable, at best), then the purpose is also likely accomplished. I don't think the state will appear "soft on crime" by releasing a terminally ill inmate. But it the purpose is retribution only, then perhaps Ms. Atkins is right where she belongs.
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