ercles on 11/11/2009 at 09:47
Being the leftwing pinko that I am, I'm obviously diametrically opposed to the death penalty.
But as an aside, was I the only one who's reaction to the news story was "9:11, really?" Is life too weird or what?
Chimpy Chompy on 11/11/2009 at 10:03
I'm diametrically opposed to making leapords sad. :(
Aerothorn on 11/11/2009 at 11:29
Quote Posted by dethtoll
but in the end there's always going to be that one person per couple million that just needs to be removed from society entirely, and that includes being fed by taxpayer dollars.
Tax savings isn't an argument for the death penalty, it's an argument against it - it's actually quite expensive to maintain, (
http://www.deathpenalty.org/article.php?id=42) as various studies of California show. There is actually a renewed interest in getting rid of the death penalty in California on budget-balancing grounds.
(I realize the above link is not "neutral" but I actually first read about this in a major newspaper - I just can't remember which one, and the LA Times archive servers are down at the moment so can't go for that article either)
And oudeis: seriously? Regardless of your stance on the death penalty, it seems somewhat disturbing to take visceral PLEASURE in it.
SubJeff on 11/11/2009 at 11:42
I fail to see how the state carrying out a an execution is more disgusting than this guy killing people for fun/because of the awesome hardon it gives him.
I understand that people have different opinions re: capital punishment but wrapping it up in such tedious hyperbole hardly helps your cause.
Also lots of lols and <3 for SD's tounge-in-cheek HE IS MENTALLY ILL post.
quinch on 11/11/2009 at 12:01
Capital punishment only serves to appease those of us in the galleries baying for revenge and blood. Those of us who are constantly looking for the next rush of self-righteous indignation.
As far as the victim's families are concerned ( and the families of the condemned ), it doesn't help them so much and can lead to additional feelings of guilt, but that doesn't matter does it.
SubJeff on 11/11/2009 at 12:18
Quote Posted by quinch
Capital punishment only serves to appease those of us in the galleries baying for revenge and blood. Those of us who are constantly looking for the next rush of self-righteous indignation.
Speak for yourself.
In fact just shut up. Its exactly this kind of half-assed "fact" that gets idiots against things. Don't state this like its a fact - people unable to make up their own minds just end up parroting it. I'm not looking for revenge or blood. How could I when I'm so far removed from the events?
No, this is purely an academic pov. I believe that you forfeit your right to experience the wonders and horrors of life, be they big or small, when you choose to murder for the thrilling stimulation. You've chosen your own sick pleasure as more important than all the experiences that another would have had and all the hurt you will cause to their loved ones. Imo you have given up your right to exist (in this form) and its time to flush you from the system so your consituent parts can be recycled to try again.
quinch on 11/11/2009 at 12:38
Sorry, I should have started my post with "I think" or "What I believe is that".
Just out of interest; how does capital punishment fit in with your Hippocratic Oath? Would you refuse to administer such a punishment if you were asked?
SubJeff on 11/11/2009 at 12:47
Yes, I would refuse.
SD on 11/11/2009 at 12:49
Quote Posted by Subjective Effect
I fail to see how the state carrying out a an execution is more disgusting than this guy killing people for fun/because of the awesome hardon it gives him.
Here's the thing: he's a killer, and killing people is what killers do, because they lack empathy and all those other things that enable the rest of us to behave in a rational manner.
We, on the other hand, are reasonable people. We're supposed to act rationally because we're not psychotic lunatics who are predisposed to rampage through the streets shooting people. As moral agents, we have no excuse for behaving in this manner beyond simple bloodlust.
quinch on 11/11/2009 at 13:15
I'm not sure whether being locked up for the rest of one's life is any less of a punishment than the death penalty. You can factor in the cost involved for the taxpayer but that's a different argument.
To me though, the death penalty represents the state sweeping their problems under the carpet and has them turning their backs on important responsibilities they need to face up to.
