Patrick Kennedy did not take anyone’s life, but the state of Louisiana is set on executing him anyway.

In this controversial ruling that was upheld by the state, Kennedy is slated to die by lethal injection for raping his 8-year-old stepdaughter in 2003.

Although sexual crimes against children are deplorable and satanic in every imaginable way, some people believe that the death penalty in this particular case constitutes “cruel and unusual” punishment.

To argue that Kennedy’s life should be spared based on the punishment not fitting the crime is absurd.

Kennedy showed no mercy for his victim when he boasted to the arresting officers that she “became a lady today.”

So why should the state show any mercy for him?

In a day and age where the most heinous of crimes are being perpetrated on the smallest of children, it seems that the legal system has abandoned the victims and their families.

Whether the offending party is just some low life criminal or some well-respected clergyman, the law seems to shield them rather than protect the victim.

There are certain crimes where a lesser degree of punishment is in order, but molesting and raping a child is deserving of a death sentence.

To also argue that a child rapist will be more inclined to spare his victim’s life if he faces a less severe sentence is foolishness also.

No sane adult would even think about violating a child in such a vile way as rape.

Therefore, such an unusual and cruel crime deserves a punishment to match.

It’s time for lawmakers and politicians to stand up and protect the children of this country.

One barbaric crime against a child should be enough to lock anyone away for death no matter who the criminal is.

However, to give a child rapist time and release them back into society for being a model citizen in prison is putting more children at risk.