Ending death penalty was right move

I write in strong support of, and gratitude for, the courageous work undertaken by our state legislature and signed by our governor in abolishing the death penalty. For reasons both moral and practical, they have acted prudently and in the best interest of our state.

The use of execution as a tool in our pursuit of justice has always been a moral oxymoron; over the last decade, it has become, as well, a moral embarrassment. Likewise, when capital punishment is known not to provide deterrence, is not supported by many of the families of victims, and costs the people of the state more than lifelong incarceration, it becomes a public liability.

With this legislation, we will no longer run the risk of executing an innocent person, and tax money formerly spent on appeals can now be spent on victims’ services and enhanced police protection. Our state is stronger for this action.

Rabbi Marc J. Belgrad

Buffalo Grove