That is such a sick statement I don't know what to think about it. Nobody that is such a "monster" is sane. Put them out of their misery, or confine them away from society - but you don't torture any life form. That's just too bizarre to think about. If you can torture a life form, you are not much different from the "monster" you want to torture.

I said all I had to say in the other death penalty thread.

I truly understand the sentiment, but we can't enter that arena. There's just no way back to humanity once you do.

Although, I feel tinged by hypocrisy with that statement because I don't think lethal injection provides enough of a fear element for it to be as effective a deterrent as other acts such as Ol' Smokey or the noose.

However, I don't see that as torture for torture's sake as much as I do making the death penalty as effective a policy as possible. If we are going to have the death penalty, it should be as effective -- from all angles -- as possible.

The death pen is a tough call.


No death pen for financial crimes but hard labor is mandatory.


In murder situations...

I'd say it depended on the crime and the relatives must make the choice whether to take the life or not.

If no relatives can be found, then allow the state to decide according to the wishes of the voters in that state.


All The Best!!

TL

The problem with the death sentence is, they don't make good on it...that's all it is - a sentence.

In a strange way, I can respect someone like Gary Gilmore, and others like him - who committed a heinous act, were sentenced to death, accepted that because they knew that they would pay the ultimate price for their crime if caught - and simply wanted the sentence carried out as mandated. They argued, that leaving someone on "death row" for many years, was cruel and unjust - not the opposite. They argued, if you are going to do it, do it - don't beat around the bush about it.

We have a justice system, that though convoluted at times, and does involve many miscarriages, it gives what can be considered reasonable time and resources to appeal a grave decision such as this, and efforts are taken for the re-examination of innocence when requested.

What could also be considered a miscarriage of justice however, is a criminal who has committed an act so foul, so beyond a reasonable doubt, that he must be removed from society - not incarcerated, not 'housed' - removed. These boundaries unfortunately have to be set - and they cannot be crossed. The consequences are strict, and must be enforced in order to maintain the semblance of humanity, and be carried out as humanely possible given the circumstances. "The needs of the many, outweigh the needs of the few."