Loretta Broker
Jefferson City
Dear Editor:
I write this letter to our supposed pro-life governor, who in fact is only pro birth. He alone had the power to grant clemency to Walter Barton, but he chose instead, to execute him, just like he did to Russell Bucklew a few months ago. How can he proudly boast that Missouri is a pro-life state? He and the others in the pro-life movement have to realize this is not a true statement. Pro life is believing in the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. Missouri will never be a pro-life state until we abolish the death penalty.
Ezekiel 33:11: "As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from their ways and live" The governor states he is a Christian, yet he does not heed the voice of Jesus Christ, who tells us to hate the sin, love the sinner and grant mercy. Walter and Russell could have spent their lives in prison repenting their sins and earning their eternal salvation. After all, isn't that what we are all seeking?
Governor, Missouri has a black shroud over her now, all because you would not grant mercy to these prisoners. And Missouri shamefully is the first state to execute anyone during this pandemic. What a legacy we now leave. Hasn't there been enough death in our country?