News Flash!

This just in! Outgoing governor of New Mexico, Bill Richardson, denies a pardon for Billy the Kid, who was shot and killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett in 1881:

Garrett's grandson, J.P. Garrett, of Albuquerque, sent an e-mail to The Associated Press: "Yea!!! No pardon! Looks like it will be a great new year!!!!"

Meanwhile, Albuquerque attorney Randi McGinn, who petitioned for the pardon, said she was "disappointed" by the governor's decision.

Robert Utley, author of "Billy the Kid: A Short and Violent Life," said he was glad Richardson decided against a pardon.

"If Billy deserves a pardon, it will be granted by history, not the governor of New Mexico."

Is this really a good use of the governor's -- or anyone else's -- time? Perhaps we should revisit history's verdict on Attila the Hun.