Death penalty would have prevented tragedy

The tragedy at Sandy Hook has everyone talking about how we prevent another such tragedy - gun control, mental health reform, the list goes on and on.

Let's look at the latest tragedy: 62-year-old convicted murderer William Spengler of Webster, N.Y., who in 1980 killed his grandmother with a hammer and served 17 years, goes on a rampage Dec. 24, reportedly killing his sister, setting fire to several homes. When the first responders arrived, he opened fire reportedly with a .223 Bushmaster, similar to the weapon used at Sandy Hook.

Spengler reportedly left a note stating he would “do what I like doing best, killing people” before starting his day. Now that is not the fault of the rifle, it is the fault of the system we have for punishing criminals in this country. If this convicted murderer had been put to death for taking another life, we would not be talking about this latest tragedy because it never would have happened.

As taxpayers in this country we pay on average $47,000 per inmate per year to house them. If convicted beyond a shadow of a doubt of murder, you should be put to death. We the taxpayers should not pay to house you in hopes that they will become rehabilitated.

Matthew Fischer

Cedar Rapids