Opinion
Ready "day or night" to ensure execution takes place on schedule
LETTER — Posted July 2, 2007
Regarding "Physicians resist push for execution involvement" (Article, May 14): As usual, the politically correct view gets front-page attention, and this is one of the reasons I usually throw this pathetic liberal rag in the garbage unread. It is by chance alone that this article happened to catch my eye.
I am a proponent of executions as appropriate punishment for the commission of crimes for which it is intended. In my home state of Mississippi, executions are attended by a coroner and medical examiner, not the same person. I know this because I inquired with the intention of offering my services as a physician if they were needed. I informed the person with whom I spoke that I stand ready to render my services at any time, day or night, for any reason, in any capacity for which I am qualified, to make sure that an execution takes place as scheduled. If ever one is postponed, it will not be for lack of medical attendance.
To the AMA, and opponents of capital punishment for any reason, I say: You do not speak for me.
I believe that if you commit certain heinous offences against others, you should pay for these crimes with your life. Capital punishment is an appropriate punishment and physician involvement is acceptable, and should be rendered when needed.
Robert J. Cain, MD, Starkville, Miss.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2007/07/02/edlt0702.htm.
