New Jersey Ends Capital Punishment

The New Jersey Assembly voted today to abolish the death penalty, leading the state to become the first since 1965 to eliminate capital punishment.
The govener acknowledged that by signing the bill he could be opening himself to political attack, but said that the current system clearly was not working and "for lots of different reasons, I think the state is taking a painful but constructive step." This ban could have a domino effect on other states leading them to also vote against the death penalty.

Plea to North Korea

President Bush sent a hand signed letter to North Korea's Kim Jong ll asking for his country's report on their nuclear weapons by the end of the year. Kim made a deal with Bush to list precisely how much weapons-grade nuclear material it has produced and whether it has provided nuclear material or information to others. This is something that could help with the peace and stability of the world. The denuculization of North Korea is something would benefit all of us.