Campus, community debate McVeigh

Timothy McVeigh's planned execution in Terre Haute, Ind. has brought the death penalty debate to the forefront of discussion on campus and in the Bloomington community. \nSince the FBI recently released thousands of overlooked documents pertinent to McVeigh's case, McVeigh's lethal injection, originally scheduled for Wednesday, May 16 has been postponed until June 11.\n"I understand why they have to delay it, but I think it's pointless because he admitted to the crime," said Valerie Crider, a junior.\nThere is skepticism with regards to the importance of the delay, and even more disapproval that the situation allowed for a delay.\n"I think the delay shows how corrupt certain government agencies are, like the FBI," said Kyle Ross, a senior, "but I guess it had to be delayed because it would have been such a huge faux paux if it hadn't been."\nBut senior Jim Banks, president of the IU College Republicans, said the justice department is coping with the issue effectively, and will follow through with the appropriate punishment.\n"McVeigh should be executed," he said.\nSome in favor of the death penalty do not see the purpose for the delay.\n"The delay is stupid -- they're dragging it on for the media's sake," said Melody Lynch, a senior.\nTrish Wright, a Bloomington resident of 53 years, said she thinks, given the U.S government's history, that they are in no position to be handing out executions.\n"If they're going to execute McVeigh, they need to execute the FBI, who charcoaled the babies in Waco," she said.\nOthers agree a different form of punishment would be more suitable.\n"I have tremendous sympathy for the victims and families who have suffered unimaginably, but killing another man isn't going to fix this," said Daniel O'Neill, president of the IU College Democrats.\n"I don't think they should execute him because that's what he wants," Crider said.\nDan King, a graduate student in criminal justice, said he opposes the death penalty no matter how heinous the crime.\n"I don't support the death penalty in any circumstance -- it's state-sponsored murder," he said. \nSome students disagree, and believe the death penalty has a place in the justice system of our nation, especially in McVeigh's case.\n"I think there are a lot of cases where the death penalty is applicable, or even humane," said Jeoff Hicks, a senior.