In recent years, criminal justice reform has become a hot topic in the United States. With the rise of the far right and their proposed solutions to prevent crimes, it seems that turning back the clock on progress has become the norm. However, their proposed changes may not be the answer to preventing similar crimes in the future.
One such example is the case of Iryna Zarutska’s murder, which has once again brought the issue of capital punishment to the forefront. The far right is using this tragedy to push for the revival of executions, claiming that it will serve as a deterrent for future crimes. But is this really the solution we need?
Let’s first take a look at the current state of our criminal justice system. The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with over 2.2 million people behind bars. This is largely due to the implementation of harsh penalties and mandatory minimum sentences, which disproportionately affect marginalized communities. It is a well-known fact that the death penalty is also disproportionately applied to people of color and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Furthermore, studies have shown that the death penalty does not serve as an effective deterrent for crime. In fact, states with the death penalty have consistently higher murder rates than those without it. This raises the question, why are we still considering this as a viable solution to prevent crimes?
The far right argues that by reviving executions, we will be able to prevent similar crimes from happening in the future. But what about the root causes of these crimes? Poverty, lack of education, and a broken mental health system are just a few of the underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior. Addressing these issues and implementing effective rehabilitation programs would be a more sustainable solution to reducing crime rates.
Moreover, turning back the clock on criminal justice reforms will only perpetuate the cycle of violence and injustice. The far right’s proposed changes to the system, such as harsher penalties and eliminating parole, will only result in more people being locked up and families being torn apart. This will have a devastating impact on our society and will do nothing to prevent similar crimes from happening.
Instead, we need to focus on implementing evidence-based solutions that have been proven to work. This includes investing in community-based programs, providing education and job opportunities for those who have been incarcerated, and addressing the root causes of crime. We also need to reform our mental health system and ensure that those in need have access to the resources and support they require.
It is also important to recognize that the criminal justice system is not infallible. Innocent people have been wrongfully convicted and put to death, highlighting the flaws and biases within the system. Reviving executions will only increase the chances of innocent lives being taken and further perpetuate the injustice within the system.
In the case of Iryna Zarutska’s murder, the far right is using the tragedy to push their agenda, but their proposed changes will not prevent similar crimes from occurring. Rolling back reforms and reviving executions will only serve to worsen the situation and perpetuate the cycle of violence and injustice. It is time to move away from these archaic and ineffective solutions and focus on implementing real change.
In conclusion, the far right’s proposal to revive executions as a solution to prevent similar crimes is not only flawed but also goes against the progress we have made in criminal justice reform. We need to address the root causes of crime, invest in rehabilitation and community-based programs, and work towards a more just and fair system. It is time to move forward, not backward, and create a system that truly serves and protects all members of our society.
