While I can respect your difference of opinion, I truly don't think the deterrent factor is worth a hill of beans. I don't think they give a rats you know what about consequences. Not until it gets mid-evil, then it might change some minds but I seriously doubt it. The people that commit these crimes are just wired wrong. Heard on WWL this morning about the first challenge to the DP for raping a child. Why not, he is sick, not going to get better. Raped a child .... okay this will get way too long if I don't stop now.
the death penalty is not a deterrent. its payback. if it happens to deter one or two along the way, lagniappe.
if they are wired wrong, its usually because they were made to be wired wrong. usually they are victims too. still deserve to be put down, but some creepy uncle did some weird crap to them and gets off scot free.
But is it really? I'm sure if that were really the case whoa nelly they'd have em lined up at ol' smokey. Somehow (even though deep down it is resolution) I don't think that was really it's intent when they made cap punishment. Oh wait, I forgot, sarcasm.
A few comments: 1. I support the death penalty for premeditated murder. I think it does deter murder. If you take a life, you forfeit your own. 2. But it must not be used when a conviction is based on circumstantial evidence. Witnesses make mistakes. Two plus two does not always equal four. Too many people have been proven innocent years later by DNA, photographic, or other incontrovertible evidence. 3. If death is imposed, it should be done swiftly. None of this lingering on death row for 25 years on appeal after appeal. That makes it lose its deterrent value. If you die within 30 days of sentencing by law it makes criminals think. 4. I find it both amusing and apalling that almost all of the "Pro-Life" movement are also supporters of the death penalty. Somehow it is abhorrent to take a life in its third trimester but OK to kill one in his 125th trimester.
your 2 and 3 kinda contradict each other Red, 30 days and the guy is really innocent, makes the death penalty argument weak. your 4, I have wondered this for many years myself, I cant understand that logic.
Appalling? Did that baby kill someone? :huh: I think their are a lot of weirdos out there that should be aborted whether they committed a crime or not.
