I Didn't Know God Was Lost

As the Terry Nichols trial moves into its penalty phase, his defense is resting its hopes for mercy on his religious conversion in prison. He has, as they say, "found God." For the record, I oppose capital punishment in all its forms. However, giving preferential treatment to those who profess a religious conversion is almost equally reprehensible. True remorse, regardless of the motivation, should count for something. But simply clutching the Bible (or Koran or Talmud or whatever) close and spouting hallelujahs shouldn't cut it.