Coretta Scott King, widow of civil rights leader, calls for end to death penalty

Jan 19 2003

PLANO, Texas - The widow of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. thinks America should ask itself some tough questions about the death penalty and the impending war in Iraq.

At a remembrance for her slain husband, Coretta Scott King drew applause when she called for an end to the death penalty and encouraged nonviolent protests against possible military action against Saddam Hussein (news - web sites).

"America needs to do some long overdue soul-searching about the wisdom and morality of government executing anybody," she said. "The government of the world's greatest democracy ought to set a better example."

King praised former Illinois Gov. George Ryan's decision last weekend to pardon four men on death row and grant clemency to the 167 inmates who were left.

About foreign policy, King said she doubts the United States can address its problems at home if it's busy being "the world's policeman."

"We must try to find a better way to ensure our peace and security and promote democracy in the Middle East and elsewhere," King said. "Peace is not just the goal. It's the way."