Thanks to members of the N.H. Senate and House who voted to override the governor’s veto and end the death penalty in New Hampshire. They have freed N.H. citizens from complicity in killing a human being. They have contributed to finally putting the ancient “eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth” behind us. Revenge has never worked. It only leads to justifying more killing.
It’s now time to end the death penalty debate and begin to explore the root causes for violent behavior. The state refusing to legalize killing is a first step. Employing religious, education and health care communities to research and develop ways to influence a climate of empathy and a sense of a common humanity are important next steps.
The Legislature can support creating programs that teach nonviolent solutions to conflict as well as rehabilitation for those who are facing consequences for violent actions.
The Rev. JOHN BUTTRICK
Concord