Post by kwashburn on Feb 19, 2016 2:02:38 GMT
I made it a point to not look at anyone’s post before actually posting my response. I did this because I didn't want anyone else's point of view or opinions to impact my response. As I am actually typing this now I am wondering if this was actually a smart idea or not, because when we talk about critical thinking we want to take into account other people's thoughts, ideas and questions. And now I feel as though I might just be overthinking this all. Hmmm.....
Even in thinking that I have not read anyone's post yet and have decided to stick with my initial thinking on my response to this. There were a lot of things to consider here in terms of making my decision. Some of the questions I asked myself initially were “what are the consequences and risks of granting her clemency?” and what are the consequences and risks of not granting her clemency?” Granting Doris clemency sends the wrong message to others who committed a similar crime, and adhered to and served their sentence. It also in a sense sends the message that her escaping from prison at the time was ok, and essentially that the crime she committed was ok. The risks or consequences that come with not granting her clemency mostly affect her family. As mentioned in the scenario her husband said that it would be the next worst thing to death, and she feels her children would suffer from not having her there which is likely the case. The other consequences or risks that came to mind in thinking this through, was that not taking into account how she made efforts to change her life and give back to the community could send the message. It possibly sends the message that doing good and trying to make up for mistakes in our past is pointless. This is a little more of a stretch but still came to my mind in thinking this all through.
After careful consideration and thinking critically about this scenario I don’t think that the governor should grant her complete clemency. However in saying that I also don’t think she should serve the same sentence she was given back in 1974 for a few reasons. She is not necessarily someone who should be taking up space in prison and it’s clear she knows what she did in the past was wrong, and over the past 34 years has demonstrated that she can and has been a good citizen. Outside of escaping from prison she has not committed any other crimes. I do feel as though the governor should consider a different type of sentence whether it be a shorter sentence, a fine, or even mandating her to do specific community service where she could continue to give back to the community. The bottom line is there should be a consequence to her evading her prison sentence and complete clemency should not be granted.
Even in thinking that I have not read anyone's post yet and have decided to stick with my initial thinking on my response to this. There were a lot of things to consider here in terms of making my decision. Some of the questions I asked myself initially were “what are the consequences and risks of granting her clemency?” and what are the consequences and risks of not granting her clemency?” Granting Doris clemency sends the wrong message to others who committed a similar crime, and adhered to and served their sentence. It also in a sense sends the message that her escaping from prison at the time was ok, and essentially that the crime she committed was ok. The risks or consequences that come with not granting her clemency mostly affect her family. As mentioned in the scenario her husband said that it would be the next worst thing to death, and she feels her children would suffer from not having her there which is likely the case. The other consequences or risks that came to mind in thinking this through, was that not taking into account how she made efforts to change her life and give back to the community could send the message. It possibly sends the message that doing good and trying to make up for mistakes in our past is pointless. This is a little more of a stretch but still came to my mind in thinking this all through.
After careful consideration and thinking critically about this scenario I don’t think that the governor should grant her complete clemency. However in saying that I also don’t think she should serve the same sentence she was given back in 1974 for a few reasons. She is not necessarily someone who should be taking up space in prison and it’s clear she knows what she did in the past was wrong, and over the past 34 years has demonstrated that she can and has been a good citizen. Outside of escaping from prison she has not committed any other crimes. I do feel as though the governor should consider a different type of sentence whether it be a shorter sentence, a fine, or even mandating her to do specific community service where she could continue to give back to the community. The bottom line is there should be a consequence to her evading her prison sentence and complete clemency should not be granted.
