Medellin Execution- Followup

In the wake of the execution of Jose Ernesto Medellin and the protests launched by the Mexican Government, Mark Stevenson has written an interesting piece in AP, which appeared in the Orange County Register today. The thesis of the article is that ordinary Mexicans, caught up in a violent crime wave sweeping the country, are not so concerned with Medellin's fate. Many are calling for Mexico to institute the death penalty.

One notorious case that has outraged the country is the kidnap and murder of 14-year-old Fernando Marti, who was snatched off a street in Mexico City in June. He was found dead last week, even though his family paid a ransom for his release.

Last week, a bus was held up north of Mexico City by robbers who shot and killed a 5-year-old boy when passengers failed to hand over their money fast enough.

Cases like this have been plaguing the country for decades. It is understandable that millions of Mexicans have had enough. In this kind of climate, it seems hard to get too upset about a vicious killer like Jose Medellin.

Mexico is a nation that desperately needs a death penalty. Its government should catch up to the millions of decent citizens who need to be protected south of the border.