First president in 50 years to order military execution
U.S. President George Bush has given the go-ahead for the execution of an American army serviceman for the first time in more than 50 years. President Bush said the 'brutal crimes' of Private Ronald Gray meant he should be put to death for his convictions for a spree of rapes and murders in North Carolina in the 1980s. The last time an American Commander-in-Chief authorised a military death sentence was in 1957. Gray committed the crimes in the Fayetteville area while stationed at Fort Bragg. He has been on the military's death row at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, for 20 years. White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said President Bush accepted the recommendation of the Secretary of the Army to approve a sentence of death for Gray. He was given the sentence after a general court martial for multiple charges of murder and rape committed while he was a serving soldier. Ms Perino said: 'While approving a sentence of death for a member of our Armed Services is a serious and difficult decision for a Commander-in-Chief, the President believes the facts of this case leave no doubt that the sentence is just and warranted. 'Private Gray was convicted of committing brutal crimes, including two murders, an attempted murder, and three rapes. The victims included a civilian and two members of the Army. 'The President's thoughts and prayers are with the victims of these heinous crimes and their families and all others affected.' Army cook Gray, 42, of Miami, Florida, will be put to death by lethal injection. snip http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23523027-details/article.do?ito=newsnow&

Re: First president in 50 years to order military execution
Ms Perino said: 'While approving a sentence of death for a member of our Armed Services is a serious and difficult decision for a Commander-in-Chief, the President believes the facts of this case leave no doubt that the sentence is just and warranted. From what I've read I'm forced to agree with Ms Perino and the President.

I agree TJ, although I'm against the DP in principle, I do often find myself wondering why.

He deserves it. By the way, for you that don't know it Donna Perino is a little cutie:

Seen better. Had worse.

I'm against the death penalty (although do not think it is cruel and unusual), but if anyone deserves it, someone like this does. My concern with the death penalty is innocents being railroaded by prosecutors looking to make a name for themselves.

put it this way, no matter where in the world you are, you do that sort of thing, you're not doing yourself any favours...