Senator and leading government shutdown proponent Ted Cruz (R-TX) says he does not agree with the Pope's call to end the death penalty because there's no better way to recognize how precious life is.
“I spent a number of years in law enforcement dealing with some of the worst criminals, child rapists and murderers, people who’ve committed unspeakable acts,” Cruz told the publication. “I believe the death penalty is a recognition of the preciousness of human life, that for the most egregious crimes, the ultimate punishment should apply.”
That's the joke.