Gregory Thompson's execution is set for February 7, in Tennessee.

As improper as I found the execution yesterday of Tookie Williams, he was likely guilty, and he probably did understand what he was doing at the time of his crimes, and what was happening to him at execution. I can understand a society that puts him to death, even if I disagree with it.

Gregory Thompson, on the other hand, was truly and clinically insane when he killed Brenda Lane, and will be just as insane the day he is executed. His mind is broken by disease. The idea of executing him as "punishment" just disgusts me to no end.

We anguish over the necessity of putting down a rabid animal. But Gregory Thompson is a human being, not a dog. We have hospitals where he can be treated. There is no necessity to force us to an anguished decision. Yet we decide to kill him. It's beyond comparison.

If you want to help, please contact Phil Bredesen. Phone calls and letters through snail mail are the best. But if you don't have time for that, you can e-mail him. It's not too late.