Capital punishment, also known as the death penalty, is yet another area in which Republicans and Democrats tend to differ. While Republicans are more likely to favor the death penalty, Democrats are more likely to oppose it.
Because of the partisan nature tied to either supporting or opposing the death penalty, state legislatures have a lot of say in bills dealing with capital punishment. This is especially true for state legislatures where one party has majority control over the other.
In Idaho, for instance, the state legislature approved a bill in both chambers that permits firing squads to be used against inmates on death row. To say the left isn’t pleased with this would be a major understatement, according to the Gateway Pundit.
It Begins
GOP Gov. Brad Little in Idaho is a Republican. He’s also on record supporting the death penalty in the past. Therefore, it stands to reason that the Idaho state legislature will get what it wants regarding this bill.
Hey Gavin, is it humane to convert a facility that holds killers and rapists to "rehab" with movie theaters and tennis courts? Is it humane to give the finger to your own residents and get rid of death penalty disregarding THE PEOPLE'S VOTE? Is it humane to the victims, Gavin?
— Tanya Berlaga (@TBerlaga) March 21, 2023
Nevertheless, Democrats have taken to social media and other forums to complain. Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom, for instance, suggested on Twitter that agreeing to the death penalty by firing squad was “inhumane” for a party that is pro-life.
Other Democrats raged as well, accusing Republicans and conservatives of being “the Afghanistan of America” and more.
The Bottom Line
It goes without saying that Idaho remains well within its rights to pass laws that California and others don’t agree with.
Many of the Democrats who are now attacking Idaho’s death penalty legislation have been considerably less critical of crime in their own communities. Since 2020, numerous Democrat-run cities have seen a notable uptick in law-breaking, due to the defunding of the police and other ill-advised decisions.
BREAKING: Idaho OKs veto-proof bill to allow execution by firing squad – AP
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) March 20, 2023
Ultimately, the person who now has the final say on the firing squad in Idaho is Gov. Little. Democrats shouldn’t hold their breath waiting for their noise to sway his choice.
