I come from Brazil, a country where innocent people are killed frequently just about anywhere, anytime. The criminals basically took over the country. The Brazilian legal system is far from being perfect, but I can guarantee that if we had the death penalty, our crime rates would go down tremendously.

Extinguishing the death penalty in the U.S. to me would mean open a very dangerous door to the crime ("Davis calls for end to death penalty," Nov. 29).

I believe in zero tolerance, I believe in the death penalty, I believe in the American justice system and I believe that every person should take responsibility for his or her actions.

What I don't believe is why would be acceptable now to give criminals the benefit of life in prison at taxpayers' cost.