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Ok, coming from a guy that works in a prison......I support the death penalty only because I have had numerous inmates tell me how much money they make on the "outside" and six months "ain't shit" to them. I realize that is minor, but keep in mind I also deal with the child molesters on a daily basis so I may not be the best person to ask on this subject.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Williams
If he lives or dies it's no big deal to me. If he did the crimes he has to live with himself and if he is ok with killing people good for him I suppose. More killers should be like Gary Gilmore and accept their death sentences. If he didn't do it then it will be a shame.
I Legend you hypocritical arse.
What happened to Christian forgiveness and thought shalt not kill.
You make me sick.
Choose one path or the other.
The death penalty is not a deterrent, crime is on the rise. The US is in the top 3 to execute people in the world and only the US and Iran executes under 18's and retarded people.
seanchai
If one doesn't believe that true rehabilitaton is possible, then one would probably be for the death penalty.
The death penalty is really based on the Judaic "eye for eye, tooth for tooth" tenet. It is more to do with mollifying an injured party (or in the case of murder, their family) or seeing that what was done to the victim was now done to the perpetrator, in equal measure. If one subscribe to that sort of vengeful faith one might derive some solace from this but that's about as far as it goes in terms of benefit. It certainly doesn't prevent more murders, to which the last several thousand years are testament.
I think it's possible that people can be rehabilitated, and perhaps this is such a case. That doesn't mean he should just be released but perhaps he should be allowed to attempt to put as much right as he put wrong earlier in life. I'm no bleeding heart, nor do I think "society is to blame" but it seems that he could stay in prison and perhaps do more good from there than if he were dead.
Let's not forget that the US executes retarded people, also(as seanchai just pointed out). Shrubya specialized in it while guv of texas. And someone said building prisons is an industry unto itself, you know it. And on low-level and first offender drug "crimes", compare the cost and results of rehab and community service to incarceration...no contest.
His case screams for an answer to this question:
Can someone be 'reformed/rehabilitated' in prison, and if so, should there sentences be modified because of it?
An affirmative answer leads to the conclusion that a commutation of his sentence would be just under the circumstances.
An negative answer requires one to say - once a convicted person is sentenced, they must serve that sentence (whether or not they 'become a better person while in prison).
The issue of innocence is not in the question. And instead of just posing the question - I'll give you my answer.
I'm for the latter, if we can have fair and accurate sentencing. I just read a report where two individuals charged with the same crime - with similar backgrounds and economic circumstances recieved enormously different sentences. How can this occur? These were federal charges and the judges who sentenced these men (for child pornography) were less than 70 miles apart. Oh, just to keep the debate focused (they were both, white, straight, professional and married). One received 6 months house arrest and six months probation. The other... 27 months in prison! The both had the means to obtain excellent legal representation - so why the huge difference? Who knows. P.S. The government asked for the same sentence in each case - go figure.
I don't think for on minute the death penalty is an effective deterrent to anyone. PERIOD. I do think it is an effective tool of retribution. Decide for yourself which side you stand on. If enforcement and punishment were effectively and evenly metted out - I think we'd live in a better society. I think of Signapore - where crime is unusual, quickly and successfully dealt with and punishment is evenly handed out. No one wants to fool around there as the chances are: You'll get caught and you'll be punished - without regard to status, money or fame.
I'll get down now.
I :soapbox
Quote:
Originally Posted by seanchai
Some Christians support the death penalty, there are punishment for sins and the death penalty applies to many of those sins,you are so quick to jugde me from a non religion view with this atheists like behavior.
Maybe if those under 18's and retards wouldn't do horrible crimes they wouldn't be executed.
Holy shit - I've heard it all now.Quote:
Originally Posted by Legend
Who said I was an atheist, asshole? I just don't believe in your brand of Christianity. Once again you are picking and choosing from the bible to suit your vanity. You choose "an eye for an eye" from the old testement yet one of the 10 Commandments is "Thou Shalt not Kill? How can you as a Christian condone the death penalty? Not some Christians... YOU?
Jesus chose to forgive people of their past sins and to turn the other cheek, as a Christian shouldn't YOU subscribe to that way of thinking, there are many parables in the bible of Jesus forgiving, including the one who betrayed him.
I guess as being just over 18 and certainly retarded yourself, you're closer to knowing if those people can be held responsible for their crimes.
Fucking cretin.
seanchai
ilLegible, I believe I heard you (mis)use the term oxymoron in one of your tantrums on another thread....well, you referring to "retards" is the ultimate in oxymorons. With the emphasis on moron, in your case.
Telling a gay joke or insulting someone with a gay term on this board is a oxymoron.Quote:
Originally Posted by chefmike