Atheist and the Death penalty

[thehedglin]

Hmm. I am kind of torn. I don't like the idea that the state may be killing innocent people, but in certain circumstances with absolutely certain guilt, I think it can be a good option. Not as a deterrent or a cheap alternative, but I can see circumstances in which it might be preferable to alternatives.

[Cephus]

Why do people keep pointing that out?  We know that.

Because you keep making blanket statements that are only backed up by those US only stats.

The only one who seems to be making any kind of a statement is you.

[Wyrd of Gawd]

Probably not. But your question says a lot more about what you think, than my answer. Are you saying "So why worry about it if no one is gonna get hurt by this maniac every again? he's in for a lifetime, and thats that"

Maybe I am overthinking it.

(emphasis is mine)

You are. I've stated my objections to the death penalty, but I'll state them again. It's more expensive than life in prison (no, not because of the execution method) and it's not a deterrent to any crime for which it is applied.

Jail and lengthy prison sentences are not deterrents either.  People will always do what they really want to do regardless of the consequences.  It's human (and animal) nature.

As for the death penalty the rules can always be changed if cost is a major concern.  Of course more innocent people would get executed but the State has already stolen their lives by putting them in prison in the first place.  

[IATIA]

For certain crimes, I am 100% for capital punishment. As to "not a deterrent". Bull Shit. It is absolutely guaranteed that person will never do it again.

[surreptitious57]

I am not in favour of it anymore but I would be prepared to have it administered to myself if no other choice
Though not the American one of twenty five minutes but the rather more efficient French one of one second
So stripped naked and sedated to point of unconsciousness and laid down and then have the blade released
To be done in public on the longest day at mid day here in London. With only adults being allowed to attend
I am not the least bit afraid of this and I seriously suggest it to anyone who thinks that my life is expendable

A MIND IS LIKE A PARACHUTE : IT DOES NOT WORK UNLESS IT IS OPEN

[rexbeccarox]

I'm going to repeat myself:

Approximately 4%... four per cent of inmates who have been put to death have been wrongfully convicted. I implore you to let that number sink in if you're for the death penalty.

Until that number goes down to zero, I am going to be 100% fully against the death penalty except in the case of the convict choosing it.

[Wyrd of Gawd]

I'm going to repeat myself:

Approximately 4%... four per cent of inmates who have been put to death have been wrongfully convicted. I implore you to let that number sink in if you're for the death penalty.

Until that number goes down to zero, I am going to be 100% fully against the death penalty except in the case of the convict choosing it.

In a way it's irrelevant how many innocent people are executed as long as they are made to appear fully guilty.  The true purpose of the death penalty is to show the local yokels that the State (aka God) is in charge and that it will smoke you if you get too frisky.  That tends to keep the mayhem down to an acceptable level.  That's why the early colonists did witch burnings.  

Besides, in a Christian nation such as ours the belief is that if mistakes are made then the celestial invisible God and his son Jesus will make things right on Judgment Day. 

The only people the State wants to get away with murder are cops.  It will do everything possible to excuse their killing sprees.  The State will even cover-up for cops who shoot other cops.  

So one of the top five lies in America is that there is equal justice for all. There never has been and it's doubtful that there will be in the next 1,000 years.

[rexbeccarox]

So... are you arguing with me or agreeing with me?

[Spooky]

Is there a common view among Atheist about the Death Penalty? Is everyone different and matters like this solely personal? On passive/ aggressive where would most Atheist fall? Just asking.

I think this is an extremely subjective question, and atheist or not wouldn't really matter.

From a purely practical standpoint, some people simply aren't worth the trouble to keep alive.

That is my opinion.

[abaris]

So... are you arguing with me or agreeing with me?

Don't bother. He's just like stoner. He's only using more words to bring the conspiracy across.