Re "Executions needed for monsters" (Marcos Breton, Nov. 4): Readers expect and appreciate thoughtful opinions by The Bee's talented columnists. We are seldom disappointed. Marcos Breton shines among this group. Unseen by readers is the work of editors -- journalists who need to reexamine their role of gatekeepers of decency in a family newspaper.
I could be misinformed. Perhaps a columnist has license to express the most outrageous facts in support of his opinion on the death penalty. It is, I guess, an argument for a free press. But Breton clearly is way off the reservation with his graphic, detailed and horrifying description of the torture of a young kidnap victim. There are valid arguments for the death penalty. They clearly do not include the pornography printed in Sunday's Bee. Is it not an editor's duty to maintain a civilized discussion? I usually treasure Breton's insights, but even more, The Bee's integrity.
-- Edward J. Donaghy, Lincoln
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