Dear Editor:
In reply to Mr. Ladner's editorial in the October 6 issue of the Westerner, one cannot help but to draw the conclusion that he believes that capital punishment should be practiced, because it is an effective deterrent to murder and other crimes of equal wickedness.

Yet, if one looks at a few simple statistics, it would become fairly obvious that the death penalty offers little, if any deterrent to capital crimes. Of the four states that proudly boast of the fact that they have the lowest ratio of capital crimes in relation to their total population, only one has the death penalty. Even in this state it has been used with extreme reserve. It has taken a man's life on only four occasions since 1934, the last execution being almost 20 years ago.

This is not to say that perpetrators of crimes that our society has deemed most heinous should go without correction. But, remember, these criminals are sent to correctional institutions after conviction, not for the purpose of punishment, but for rehabilitation. I have yet to find a person who has been rehabilitated once the executioner has done his task.

Steve Kisslinger


Dear Editor:
Since my open column on capital punishment in the October 6 issue of the Westerner has caused some discussion among other students, I will once again state my opinions on this controversial subject.

A letter in this issue by Steve Kisslinger pointed out the fact, that in his words, I believe that capital punishment should be used because it is an effective deterrent to homicide and other crimes of equal wickedness. In my opinion, there is no equal to murder. It is the worst thing a "civilized" human being can do. Only in cases of this should this punishment be given.

I fail to understand how anyone can safely say that they have rehabilitated a convicted murderer and let them out of their prison, trusting them not to take another man's life again. For example, look at the case of Mr. Lee Jennings, the man who has been charged with the double murder and rape of Mrs. Barbara Flanagan and her 18 month old daughter Renee. This man has been in and out of mental hospitals and prisons for the past 10 years. Where is the wonderful process of rehabilitation flow? It surely won't help the grieving father and husband of the two.

How can a crime as horrifying as homicide be measured in years and decades, anyway? Who is to decide that a man should serve perhaps 20 years for killing another man? Why should someone who has committed such a terrible act as homicide be allowed to live? Didn't he willfully and unlawfully take the life of another man? I fail to see why these people should be allowed to have the right to take human life and just go to a prison where they are supposedly "rehabilitated."

Chris Ladner

Dear Editor:
This letter is in reply to the letter concerning a girl, her horn, and her school spirit. I am a band member and I'm proud of it. I am sick and tired of having the band be everyone's scapegoat.

The student who authored the letter felt an injustice was dealt against her friend so she turns around and attacks the band. The band is a constant source of criticism and most of these accusations are unjust and unfounded.

When the band performs at a school function, it is criticized; if it does not perform, it is condemned by all. I feel this is not right. The band is there to add enthusiasm to a game or pep assembly and to provide background for other functions. What no one seems to realize is that football games, concerts, parades, pep assemblies, and basketball games for pep band are required attendance for band students extra time out side of regular class time performing at many school functions.

If this student's friend feels she has to blow a horn in he stands, let her join the band!

Name Withheld Upon Request


Editor's Note:
In regard to the letter concerning horns at the football games in the last issue of the Westerner, I talked with Mr. Ken Olson, head of the athletic department. In the "Inter Suburban Association Contest Rules," Section VIII, it reads as follows:

"Mechanical noisemakers are barred from all Inter Suburban Association contests in all sports. This ruling applies to musical instruments except those used by the home band and also includes megaphones in use by spectators. No mobile signs or placards, etc. are to be allowed in the stands or its immediate environs. A school organized card section may be used."

I hope this clarifies the situation.


Dear Editor:
On behalf of the Varsity Cheerleaders, we apologize for our actions during the halftime show at Arlington.

Claire Robertson Varsity Captain


Dear Editor:
To the four gentlemen who helped me when my car broke down at the intersection of Golf and Algonquin on the night of Monday, October 2.

Thank you for your friendly and courteous help.

Sincerely,
Sherry Johnson Arlington High School


Editor's Note:
The four gentlemen mentioned above are Maine West students.