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RE: The Death Penalty - are you for or against it and why?
June 11, 2011 at 8:58 pm
I have to say I'm somewhat conflicted on the death penalty. I used to be all for it, because if you're willing to take a life I think you should forfeit yours. This, however, makes the assumption that our justice system is perfect, and with all the people being released because of DNA evidence, we know that to be far from true. My problem with not having the death penalty is that there are hardened criminals out there to whom a jail sentence is not a deterrent, and the only thing they fear is the death penalty. So I am against the death penalty mostly, but I think it should still be reserved for the most egregious, intentional crimes where DNA evidence is available. I don't like the idea of the government getting to say who dies anymore than anyone else, but there are criminals out there that only fear one punishment, the death penalty. That is why I see it as a necessary evil that should be highly limited.
Even if the open windows of science at first make us shiver after the cozy indoor warmth of traditional humanizing myths, in the end the fresh air brings vigor, and the great spaces have a splendor of their own - Bertrand Russell
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RE: The Death Penalty - are you for or against it and why?
June 12, 2011 at 6:18 am
Against. Not happy that executing innocent people, for proof is never 100% in any criminal matter and miscarriages of justice are ever-present, is how a civilised society acts.

A man is born to a virgin mother, lives, dies, comes alive again and then disappears into the clouds to become his Dad. How likely is that?
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RE: The Death Penalty - are you for or against it and why?
June 12, 2011 at 8:09 am
(June 12, 2011 at 7:34 am)Skipper Wrote: Really? Countries with the death penalty don't see any significantly lower rates of murder than countries that don't have the death penalty. Some are even higher. I honestly don't think the death penalty is a deterrent, and I can't remember seeing any evidence that suggests it is.
Well, deterrent of crime probably isn't the best description. I was thinking more along the lines of a bargaining chip for prosecutors. Criminals will be lining up to give up important information that could be used to save lives and stop crime if it means avoiding the death penalty.
Even if the open windows of science at first make us shiver after the cozy indoor warmth of traditional humanizing myths, in the end the fresh air brings vigor, and the great spaces have a splendor of their own - Bertrand Russell
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RE: The Death Penalty - are you for or against it and why?
June 12, 2011 at 4:09 pm
(June 12, 2011 at 1:35 pm)Minimalist Wrote: I would question the reliability of any information obtained in such a manner. If they are already "criminals" why would you assume they would not lie in order to make a better deal for themselves?
Simple, if the information doesn't pan out, stick a needle in their arm.
Even if the open windows of science at first make us shiver after the cozy indoor warmth of traditional humanizing myths, in the end the fresh air brings vigor, and the great spaces have a splendor of their own - Bertrand Russell
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RE: The Death Penalty - are you for or against it and why?
June 12, 2011 at 4:19 pm
I think we should stone adulterers. Nuff said.