I always agreed with Ann Coulter's take on European countries telling us how it is we should govern ourselves. The newest example of this is the European Union, specifically the Portugese Presidency, asking Texas to get rid of the death penalty:
The EU expressed "great regret" at Texas' preparations to carry out its 400th death penalty and renewed its call to the US to halt executions.Johnny Ray Conner, 32, will be executed on Wednesday for the 1998 fatal shooting of a grocery store clerk.
But Governor Rick Perry insisted it was a "just and appropriate" punishment.
He was responding robustly to the EU's denunciation of judicial killings as "cruel and inhumane".
The statement from the Portuguese presidency of the 27-nation bloc said: "The European Union strongly urges Governor Rick Perry to exercise all powers vested in his office to halt all upcoming executions and to consider the introduction of a moratorium in the state of Texas."
It continued: "There is no evidence to suggest that the use of the death penalty serves as a deterrent against violent crime and the irreversibility of the punishment means that miscarriages of justice, which are inevitable in all legal systems, cannot be redressed."
Texas Governor Rick Perry responded (emphasis mine):
"230 years ago, our forefathers fought a war to throw off the yoke of a European monarch and gain the freedom of self-determination. Texans long ago decided that the death penalty is a just and appropriate punishment for the most horrible crimes committed against our citizens. While we respect our friends in Europe, welcome their investment in our state and appreciate their interest in our laws, Texans are doing just fine governing Texas."
Now if only we could get more politicians to see things like that. Americans can govern America just fine; Europeans can worry about governing Europe.
Hat Tip: Hot Air
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Comments (38)
Is the person to be execute... (Below threshold)1. Posted by pennywit | August 27, 2007 6:53 PM | Score: 1 (5 votes cast)
Is the person to be executed a European citizen by any chance? If so, that would give th EU's objection at least a patina of legitimacy.
--|PW|--
1. Posted by pennywit | August 27, 2007 6:53 PM |
Score: 1 (5 votes cast)
Posted on August 27, 2007 18:53
2. Posted by John in CA | August 27, 2007 7:01 PM | Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
Not only does Texas execute it's death row inmates, they're thinking about installing an express lane.
Wish California would get a move on. More than 600 inmates on death row, and we execute about .75 a year.
2. Posted by John in CA | August 27, 2007 7:01 PM |
Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
Posted on August 27, 2007 19:01
3. Posted by Jo | August 27, 2007 7:08 PM | Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
Why are all libs such control freaks? Mind your own beeswax.
3. Posted by Jo | August 27, 2007 7:08 PM |
Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
Posted on August 27, 2007 19:08
4. Posted by HughS | August 27, 2007 8:31 PM | Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
No surprise there...Texas is the only independent country to join the Union. If you visit there for any length of time you will learn that. If you're born there, it is part of your upbringing. Goliad, Houston, The Alamo and the Volunteers.
4. Posted by HughS | August 27, 2007 8:31 PM |
Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
Posted on August 27, 2007 20:31
5. Posted by Don | August 27, 2007 8:49 PM | Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
A word to the EU Portugse Presidency(?), you realy do not want to tick off a Texan. Governor Perry might just send the Texas Rangers over there to arrest your ass and drag you back to Texas to stand trail for being ungrateful ass-holes.
Of course the Texas Rangers would have to act swiftly to ensure that France doesn't surrender to them.
5. Posted by Don | August 27, 2007 8:49 PM |
Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Posted on August 27, 2007 20:49
6. Posted by JFO | August 27, 2007 9:01 PM | Score: -14 (14 votes cast)
I have a much better suggestion- one that will clearly benefit everyone. Let Texas secede and become it's own country. Then we can declare war on it, conquer it and cede it back to Mexico.
Oh, and folks in this country getting pissed about other countries telling us how to govern! That's a hoot and a half if ever there was one.
6. Posted by JFO | August 27, 2007 9:01 PM |
Score: -14 (14 votes cast)
Posted on August 27, 2007 21:01
7. Posted by RB | August 27, 2007 9:43 PM | Score: -1 (5 votes cast)
Control freak? Explain how the Europeans are forcing their wills on others? They exercised their right to criticize an element of another society that they don't like. Rick Perry exercized his right to tell them to shove it. Whose rights have been trampled on?
7. Posted by RB | August 27, 2007 9:43 PM |
Score: -1 (5 votes cast)
Posted on August 27, 2007 21:43
8. Posted by ODA315 | August 27, 2007 10:08 PM | Score: 10 (10 votes cast)
Ya know, your right JFO. Just the last few days the esteemed leaders of your party have been trying to tell the Iraqi govt who should lead and follow in their country (let's just put aside the last three elections they've had). Although it's damn hard to discern what Obama and Clinton know about leadership, what with their extensive time as biz execs......aaahhhh, strike that, ...govenors?...aahhhh, strike that,....foreign policy/cabinet officers?....aaahhhh, shit. Just forget it....
LOLOLOL Thanks for the reminder, assclown.
8. Posted by ODA315 | August 27, 2007 10:08 PM |
Score: 10 (10 votes cast)
Posted on August 27, 2007 22:08
9. Posted by SPQR | August 27, 2007 10:09 PM | Score: 10 (10 votes cast)
Actually what is amusing is that the death penalty has majority support in several EU countries, but the EU is not interested in actual democracy. Accordingly, the european elite ignores the wishes of its own citizens.
9. Posted by SPQR | August 27, 2007 10:09 PM |
Score: 10 (10 votes cast)
Posted on August 27, 2007 22:09
10. Posted by Rance | August 27, 2007 10:22 PM | Score: 3 (5 votes cast)
There is a downside to having a death penalty when it comes to justice. There is a current case in Illinois where the killer has confessed to the crime. However, he is being held in St. Martin and French won't extradited to for trial to anyplace where he might face the death penalty.
And as the man said above, "Americans can govern America just fine; Europeans can worry about governing Europe."
10. Posted by Rance | August 27, 2007 10:22 PM |
Score: 3 (5 votes cast)
Posted on August 27, 2007 22:22
11. Posted by Jim Addison | August 27, 2007 10:25 PM | Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
The intent here is not to effect an actual change in policy. Even the Euro=peons understand that will never happen simply due to their self-righteous lecturing.
The intent is to suck up to the various Euro=peon elitists who share such sentiments. It's the cultured, so-euro-phisticated equivalent of throwing raw meat to our moonbats. The gentleman will be a hero at cocktail parties for months to come, where he will discuss the intransigent dark barbarity of America with his fellow "enlightened" ones. They will tut-tut and cluck their tongues and swill wine until they feel sufficiently superior.
11. Posted by Jim Addison | August 27, 2007 10:25 PM |
Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
Posted on August 27, 2007 22:25
12. Posted by HughS | August 27, 2007 10:30 PM | Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
JFO
Let Texas secede and become it's own country. Then we can declare war on it, conquer it and cede it back to Mexico.
That's BRILLIANT!
What type of war will you prosecute against Texas? Tactical or Strategic? This is important.
In light of your criticisms of GWB's prosecution of the War in Iraq, I'm sure you are well informed as to how you would execute a strategy against a state in our Union.
12. Posted by HughS | August 27, 2007 10:30 PM |
Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
Posted on August 27, 2007 22:30
13. Posted by John in CA | August 27, 2007 10:35 PM | Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
And it would only take one Ranger.
"One riot; one ranger."
One Portugese euro-wienie, one Ranger.
13. Posted by John in CA | August 27, 2007 10:35 PM |
Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Posted on August 27, 2007 22:35
14. Posted by Don | August 27, 2007 10:55 PM | Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
#13 John in CA
Yor are right. I stand corrected.
14. Posted by Don | August 27, 2007 10:55 PM |
Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Posted on August 27, 2007 22:55
15. Posted by Don | August 27, 2007 10:58 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
I hit the wrong key, it should be:
You are right. I stand corrected.
15. Posted by Don | August 27, 2007 10:58 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on August 27, 2007 22:58
16. Posted by Tom Blogical | August 28, 2007 12:00 AM | Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
"Is the person to be executed a European citizen by any chance? If so, that would give th EU's objection at least a patina of legitimacy."
Wrong. Nice try, but no, there is no legitimacy in that statement at all. Anyone breaking a law here is subject to the appropriate punishment, just like everyone else. If you travel abroad, the U.S. clearly communicates that it has no way of protecting U.S. citizens if they break laws in foreign countries, and they are rightfully punished as anybody else would in that country. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, either.
Remember Michael Fay? Bill Clinton tried to influence the outcome of that situation and didn't get anywhere. And rightfully so.
16. Posted by Tom Blogical | August 28, 2007 12:00 AM |
Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Posted on August 28, 2007 00:00
17. Posted by Linoge
| August 28, 2007 12:28 AM | Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Sorry, but the Europeans can take their objections of our laws, our ways of going about things, and our judicial/punishment systems, write them down on nice, thick, rough paper, fold that paper until it is all sharp corners, and shove it up their collective...
Their own countries may be socialistic paradises, but we like our republic, and our way of doing things, just fine. Otherwise we would live there, neh?
17. Posted by Linoge
| August 28, 2007 12:28 AM |
Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Posted on August 28, 2007 00:28
18. Posted by Live@9 | August 28, 2007 12:48 AM | Score: -11 (11 votes cast)
It's official:
The GOP is the party of Pro-Death.
18. Posted by Live@9 | August 28, 2007 12:48 AM |
Score: -11 (11 votes cast)
Posted on August 28, 2007 00:48
19. Posted by ExSubNuke | August 28, 2007 2:04 AM | Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Darn tootin' Live@9, and proud of it.
19. Posted by ExSubNuke | August 28, 2007 2:04 AM |
Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Posted on August 28, 2007 02:04
20. Posted by Ryan | August 28, 2007 6:45 AM | Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
HOw about we Cede California - or at least southern california - to Mexico? Wouldn't make much difference ethnically, and would be a huge improvement politically.
20. Posted by Ryan | August 28, 2007 6:45 AM |
Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Posted on August 28, 2007 06:45
21. Posted by WildWillie | August 28, 2007 7:39 AM | Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
JFO has again proven BDS. He hates Bush so much he wants to go to war with Texas. That is extreme. Live @9, republicans are pro justice. The democrats are pro killing babies for over thirty years now. Millions. A legacy to be proud of? I wonder what the conversation would be like when you meet your maker? ww
21. Posted by WildWillie | August 28, 2007 7:39 AM |
Score: 7 (7 votes cast)
Posted on August 28, 2007 07:39
22. Posted by Oyster | August 28, 2007 8:21 AM | Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Oh c'mon, guys. Don't you know 400 is a "grim milestone"? Libs love those.
22. Posted by Oyster | August 28, 2007 8:21 AM |
Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Posted on August 28, 2007 08:21
23. Posted by taz | August 28, 2007 8:38 AM | Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
The US would only go to war against Texas for the OIL!
LOL.
23. Posted by taz | August 28, 2007 8:38 AM |
Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Posted on August 28, 2007 08:38
24. Posted by JFO | August 28, 2007 9:16 AM | Score: -7 (7 votes cast)
ww
Bush would go run and hide in Connecticut, behind mommy and poppy - or he'd reup with the National Guatd in Alabama so he could avoid the conflict.
I do love the pious moral judgments from the likes of you though. Isn't there something somewhere that says something like: Judge not, lest ye be judged yourself? You take care of your sins and I'll take care of mine.
24. Posted by JFO | August 28, 2007 9:16 AM |
Score: -7 (7 votes cast)
Posted on August 28, 2007 09:16
25. Posted by spurwing plover | August 28, 2007 10:11 AM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Texas to the euroweenie union BUTT OUT and go take a hike keep your pinkie poodle noses out of the lone star state
25. Posted by spurwing plover | August 28, 2007 10:11 AM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on August 28, 2007 10:11
26. Posted by D-Hoggs | August 28, 2007 11:13 AM | Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Why do liberals ALWAYS have a problem with putting convicted murderers to death, but they NEVER have an issue with killing an innocent baby?
26. Posted by D-Hoggs | August 28, 2007 11:13 AM |
Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Posted on August 28, 2007 11:13
27. Posted by D-Hoggs | August 28, 2007 11:13 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Why do liberals ALWAYS have a problem with putting convicted murderers to death, but they NEVER have an issue with doing the same to an innocent baby?
27. Posted by D-Hoggs | August 28, 2007 11:13 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on August 28, 2007 11:13
28. Posted by D-Hoggs | August 28, 2007 11:17 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Sorry about the triple post, I kept getting an error message when hitting submit.
28. Posted by D-Hoggs | August 28, 2007 11:17 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on August 28, 2007 11:17
29. Posted by WildWillie | August 28, 2007 11:24 AM | Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Answering JFO's comment is not allowed. He will get mad because you prove him to be hypocritical. Such a spoiled petulent child. I have a feeling if GW and JFO confronted each other, I would bet JFO did the running away. Just a guess. At least JFO admits he has sins. ww
29. Posted by WildWillie | August 28, 2007 11:24 AM |
Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Posted on August 28, 2007 11:24
30. Posted by SCSIwuzzy | August 28, 2007 11:27 AM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Rance,
Illinois should do what PA did, to get Ira Einhorn back. They boycotted French wine.
The state of PA, with its state owned liquor stores, was the single largest buyer of French wines in the world (and no, the saving is not passed on. You can get any bottle cheaper from a mom and pop store across any border).
Hit them in the purse.
30. Posted by SCSIwuzzy | August 28, 2007 11:27 AM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on August 28, 2007 11:27
31. Posted by tj | August 28, 2007 11:30 AM | Score: 3 (5 votes cast)
FYI, it,s the Republic of Texas,not state.If you might notice,they fly their flag just as high,and not lower than than the red,white & blue.
31. Posted by tj | August 28, 2007 11:30 AM |
Score: 3 (5 votes cast)
Posted on August 28, 2007 11:30
32. Posted by DJ Drummond | August 28, 2007 1:23 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Texas: We Kill Bad Guys.
'Nuff said.
32. Posted by DJ Drummond | August 28, 2007 1:23 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on August 28, 2007 13:23
33. Posted by D-Hoggs | August 28, 2007 1:39 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
FYI tj, that has nothing to do with Texas being a Republic. Any state in the country is able, according to US flag code, to fly it's flag at the same level as the U.S. flag provided it is placed to the left of the U.S. flag.
33. Posted by D-Hoggs | August 28, 2007 1:39 PM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on August 28, 2007 13:39
34. Posted by D-Hoggs | August 28, 2007 1:44 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Also, tj, and I shouldn't have said, "that has nothing to do with Texas being a Republic", Texas is NOT a republic. It became a republic in 1836, but only until 1845 when it joined the United States as the 28th State. Even their motto is The Lone Star STATE.
34. Posted by D-Hoggs | August 28, 2007 1:44 PM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on August 28, 2007 13:44
35. Posted by DJ Drummond | August 28, 2007 1:54 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
It's true that Texas is a state, not a Republic. It is also my experience, however, that when travelling to other countries the service level rises noticeably if I mention that I am from Texas, rather than simply from the U.S.
B'sides, it's kind of cute watching Candians worry whether I'm "packing" ...
heh.
35. Posted by DJ Drummond | August 28, 2007 1:54 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on August 28, 2007 13:54
36. Posted by DJ Drummond | August 28, 2007 2:06 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Now I think about it, other STATES tend to show respect for Texans, too ...
'cept those Okies (spits).
36. Posted by DJ Drummond | August 28, 2007 2:06 PM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on August 28, 2007 14:06
37. Posted by SPQR | August 28, 2007 3:22 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
And us Coloradans, DJ. You know what Coloradan hunters call shooting a northbound deer from the south end? A Texas heart shot.
37. Posted by SPQR | August 28, 2007 3:22 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on August 28, 2007 15:22
38. Posted by DJ Drummond | August 28, 2007 4:41 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
See, now you're mistaking Dallas for the whole state.
I blame J.R., I dew. (spits)
38. Posted by DJ Drummond | August 28, 2007 4:41 PM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on August 28, 2007 16:41