In the language of prison, “life” doesn’t mean life

Does the name Yolanda Saldivar ring a bell?

She was convicted of the 1995 first-degree murder of Tejano music star Selena, who was 23.

A Texas jury sentenced Saldivar to life in prison.

Life in prison.

She is now eligible for parole, 30 years after she killed the star, who was ready to fire Saldivar for embezzling funds from her.

30 years is not life. It is not what justice, through a jury, demanded. The parole board should issue a quick “no.”

I raise this issue in conjunction with President Joe Biden’s commutation to “life” of 37 men sentenced to the death penalty.

As we see with the murderer of Selena, “life” does not actually mean life.

So the 37, having escaped possible death, can hope that some future soft-headed Democratic official will release them. And I say Democratic because I can’t think of a Republican official who would release a murderer. 

Pardons and commutations should be reserved to correct miscarriages of justice.  Those rightfully convicted should serve the sentences imposed. Reserve empathy for the victims, instead of the perpetrators.