The State of Florida has just performed its seventh execution this year (June 24, 2025).

Number eight is in the Green Room, waiting for his moment of glory. Knowing how this State fumbles its death penalty, this nasty excuse-for-humanity might be strapped to the gurney, staring at the needle, when some last-minute reprieve limps in. Or maybe Florida is banking on him dropping dead from sheer terror? I mean, that would save the hassle, right?

Frankly, in my opinion, Florida's present approach is cynical, sloppy, and downright barbaric.

I'm Larry Gillis, Director-at-Large of the Libertarian Party of Florida, and I'm fed up with this bloodthirsty nonsense. My Party is crystal clear on this. Our national Platform states, "1.8 Death Penalty. We oppose the administration of the death penalty by the state." In other words, no ifs, ands, or buts. If the LPF had its way, the State wouldn't get to play executioner, no matter how many politicians think they're channeling divine justice.

For what it's worth, my church's Catechism backs me up with equal fire: "In the light of the Gospel ... [the death penalty] ... is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person ..." That's not mealy-mouthed preaching; it's a moral gut-punch. The State has got no right to snuff out a human life, no matter the rap sheet. Ask Pope Leo.

(BTW, His Holiness and I are equally thoughtful about the subject of abortion, but that's a discussion for another day, I suppose).

But I'm going to go further than both my Party and my church. You want to kill, Florida? Fine, but execute me first. That's right—I'm volunteering to take the needle before Contestant Number Eight. Why? Because this whole system's a sham, and I'm calling your bluff.

Don't give me that "deterrence" hogwash. Studies show that the death penalty doesn't scare criminals any more than life in prison. Look at the FBI's crime stats or the National Research Council's 2012 report. Revenge? That's not justice; that's a mob with a gavel. For that matter, Florida's own track record here is a disgrace: 30 death row exonerations since 1973, per the Innocence Project. You think the state's infallible? In reality, it is a coin toss with a man's life on the line.

So here's my challenge, Florida: if you're so keen on killing, start with me. I'm Larry Gillis, and I'm daring you to justify this murder machine. Strap me down first, and let's see if you can sleep at night knowing you killed a man who stood up for principle. You won't, because deep down, you know the State's got no moral ground to stand on. It's just a bully with a syringe.

I'm a reasonable guy, so let's compromise here: LWOP for Number Eight and the needle for me. (That's "Life With Out Parole" for him). That's my best offer. Just to make it interesting, you can arrange for Number Eight to wind up with some no-neck sociopath for a seriously-interesting roommate, sharing the same cell for the rest of both their natural lives.

Anyway, spare Number Eight, Florida. Take me instead. Or else admit you're no better than the criminals you're so eager to punish.

I'm Larry Gillis, and I approve this message.