YOU get used to surprises on The Press letters page, but N Johnston’s letter (June 20) about capital punishment caught me off guard at the breakfast table.

A complex moral, philosophical, religious, political and ethical question of taking the life of human beings was reduced to saving potentials.

To counter his argument, in the USA capital punishment costs a great deal and states abandoned capital punishments for financial reasons.

Of course, in countries with a less costly and lengthy appeals procedure, capital punishment seems like a much cheaper option than long-term imprisonment.

But where would he like to draw the line between shooting on the spot and 39 years on death row?

This world has seen barbarous acts by human beings which have outraged the conscience of mankind and the basic human rights and fundamental freedoms, like the right to life, are lessons learned we have inherited from our ancestors who have experienced atrocities and seen what humans are capable of.

Even if some rights and freedoms have been reworded, extended or refined, I remain of the conviction that removal or repeal should be barred by any ordinary vote or referendum.

Lars Kramm, Leven Road, York