Jay Parini : Botched , execution says that few civilized countries do this . As if we needed reminding , our Constitution bans punishments that are deemed `` cruel and unusual . '' He says state - sanctioned killing fosters a culture of violence in society Parini : Dickens , Tolstoy , death penalty repulsive , hypocritical , unchristian . Smith : Odd that many who oppose abortion are OK with the state taking a human life .
Jay Parini : Botched , execution says that few civilized countries do this . He says state - sanctioned killing fosters a culture of violence in society Parini : Dickens , Tolstoy , death penalty repulsive , hypocritical , unchristian . Smith : Odd that many who oppose abortion are OK with the state taking a human life .