http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/08/05/scotus.execution/index.htmlThis is a pretty lengthy story on CNN, so I decided not to re post it here. I just found it interesting on many levels, and I guess I'm just not understanding the judicial system in this country.
First of all, the article mentions that Medellin was denied the right to confer with counsel from his home country. That can only mean that he was using counsel from the United States, most likely a team of public defenders. Who paid for this? My guess is that American tax paying citizens paid for his defense, and flurry of last minute appeals that were filed on his behalf. If he had counsel in Mexico, paid for by Mexican money, ready and willing to aid him in his defense, why was that not allowed?
Unless my math is wrong, Medellin has been a part of the American judicial system for 15 years, since he committed the heinous act in 1993. He has been sitting in an American prison, eating food made here in America, staying cool in the summer and warm in the winter with utilities paid for with American dollars, and as mentioned above, having the advantage of a team of American lawyers, paid for by American tax payers. Why? He was a national of another country, not an American citizen, so why was he afforded the same rights that American citizens have. The same rights that countless men and women have laid down their lives to protect, and in fact are still dying for as we speak?
I completely understand the families need for closure, and that his execution probably gave that to them. I am in no way trying to diminish the pain and anguish they are inevitably still feeling to this day. I just do not understand why we are throwing away millions of dollars every single year to house criminals who are are not supposed to be here in the first place. That is money we can put to good use in our school systems, hospitals, police departments, and the ever increasing budget deficit.
"The Mexican government filed an appeal with the international court against the United States in January 2003, alleging violations of international law. Medellin filed his own federal and state appeals based on similar complaints, as well as a claim of ineffective counsel. Medellin has the support of the European Union and several international human rights groups."
Again, I have to ask why? Do the European Union and the various international rights groups have nothing better to do than lobby for the "rights" of a man who gang raped and murdered a 14 and 16 year old girl? There are people starving, being tortured, or abused all over the world, so I wouldn't think it would be too difficult to find a better cause. I also do not understand why he was afforded the right to appeal to our state and federal governments on his behalf. I'm sure there was some sort of ridiculous piece of legislation that was signed into law allowing all of this, but it makes absolutely no sense.
"The world court again last month ordered the United States to do everything within its authority to stop
Medellin's execution until his case could be further reviewed." Was more review really necessary? He raped and murdered 2 teenage girls, and was tried and convicted. Review over.
I believe that if you commit a crime in this country, and are not a citizen of this country, then you should be sent back to your country to face whatever punishment might be waiting for you there. I know that in most cases there wouldn't be a punishment, but think of the resources that would be made available for other things when the money wasn't being spent to house, try, defend, and execute illegal immigrants. It was reported by Lou
Dobbs that 33% of the United States jail population was comprised of illegal immigrants. Imagine what we could do with a 33% national revenue increase.
Living conditions in other countries may be so bad that leaving to pursue a better life here in America is necessary. I have no problem with that, as long as you have every intention of becoming a citizen, and making a better life for yourself. I just don't think we should be spending our tax money on legal fees for non-citizens.
On Sunday afternoon, we went to an auction in El Dorado. The sales bill showed several things we were interested in, so we anticipated a good day. I collect different types of cut glass, mostly milk glass and clear glass depression pieces, and there were several of these pieces at the auction. The problem was, the collectors with unlimited funds were out in full force, so I did not purchase one piece. They were bidding individual pieces of glass up to $40 and $50 per piece. Many of these pieces won't even sell for half of that in today's market, but I guess a true collector isn't concerned with money. I purchase glass to use in my business, and I keep some of the pieces to either use in the kitchen, or collect if it's nice. I also have several flats that I plan on reselling, as we picked up the flats of 6 or 7 pieces for $1.00 each, and each piece will sell for $10.00 - $30.00 a piece. Not a windfall, but nice none the less. 
