President Accepts Recommendation to Execute Army Private Ronald Gray

The Associated Press reports this morning that Army Private Ronald Gray's execution has finally been signed off on by the White House. President Bush finalized the decision based on recommendations from the White House legal counsel and the Secretary of the Army. This decision comes toward the end of the President's time in the White House, and appeals will likely face either Presidential contender John McCain or Barack Obama. Ronald Gray's fate may seem certain and dire, but will ultimately rest and depend on who the American people elect into the White House come November.

Ronald Gray was arrested in the 1980s, and convicted by the military and civilian court systems of rape, murder, and attempted murder of several women while he was stationed at Fort Bragg. His crimes were committed against both military personnel as well as civilians. He was convicted by the courts in 1986 and 1987, and his death sentence went for White House approval in 2005. This approval is a requirement in order for a military execution to take place.

The AFP reports that the White House is expecting further appeals, and that there is no timeline set for those appeals or Ronald Gray's execution. Depending on who the American people elect to the White House in November, his situation could improve drastically, or remain stagnant. Traditionally, the democratic party tends to take a stance opposing the death penalty, and a decision to overturn President Bush's signature on the Ronald Gray execution could earn Barack Obama cheers from his supporters.

But will he view Gray's crimes as heinous enough to overlook his party affiliation? If McCain is elected, Ronald Gray's situation shouldn't alter too dramatically. A former member of the military, a support of the NRA, and a member of the strongly pro-death penalty Republican Party, Ronald Gray shouldn't expect a sympathetic ear from a McCain administration.