111–120 of 139 posts
Earlier quoted context omitted.
There's a strange sense of morality in being able to execute someone but not show their full last words due to swearing. The US media seems to view the world in a similar way.
It isn't the morality. It is the fear that we'll turn them into martyrs.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
How about doing like the Norwegians: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-18135537 Their kids (have been taught to) kill less than kids in any American state. EDIT: Don't know why I can't reply to any post, but the Norwegians actually have a diversity not that much unlike the US (15 percent immigrants / children of immigrants): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigration_to_Norway
They have a uniform culture. Everything gets easier with a common mindset. Folks keep using Norway as a fish-in-the-barrel ideal case of how anything can work. But its probably not transferable to the population of the most diverse nation on earth.
Huh? Papua New Guinea?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_ranked_by_eth...
The USA is #85, not even close.
One of the best: "Somebody needs to kill my trial attorney." George Harris Executed in Missouri on September 13, 2000 for a murder. http://wgrd.com/the-weirdest-last-words-by-death-row-inmates... Clearly he didn't get a good lawyer.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Skimming the list, it seems only few of them are really repentant and understood the consequences of what they did. But, for the few of them, especially those referring to their family and children, it is hard to see what benefits their death will bring. Maybe some closure for the victim's family, but in some case, it sounds like the guy being executed as not much more in common with the criminal.
"I don’t think the world will be a better or safer place without me." If they aren't executed, they will spend the rest of their life in jail. So by executing them our gains are two fold. 1. save tax dollars over keeping them in jail long term 2. give victims families peace Something to think about.
The common response to this is something like, "Well, make it cheaper. Stop with all the appeals and other nonsense." The trouble is that we already execute far too many innocent people, and streamlining the process will only make it worse.
To carry out executions in anything resembling a just manner, it pretty much has to be more expensive than imprisoning someone for life.
As for #2, life without parole should be just as final as an execution as far as closure for the victims is concerned.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Because in politics the cover up is often more damaging than the initial transgression? Because the state does not feel that they have done anything wrong and therefore has nothing to gain by appearing to hide information from the public?
Or because there is nothing to hide? From the data: White 231 (44.9%) Black 190 (36.9%) Hispanic 92 (17.9%) Other 2 (0.4%)
This one really hit me: > The act I committed to put me here was not just heinous, it was senseless. But the person that committed that act is no longer here - I am. I'm not going to struggle physically against any restraints. I'm not going to shout, use profanity or make idle threats. Understand though that I'm not only upset, but I'm saddened by what is happening here tonight. I'm not only saddened, but disappointe…
and if this man wasn't caught and put in prison he would have still been here and victimized others. Look at Chicago's overly liberal justice system and how many of the shootings on the south and west sides are often from repeat offenders given slaps on the wrist for previous serious crimes. When you realize there's no real consequences to your actions then shooting up a street corner for 'cred' becomes a social norm.
While I believe its impossible to fairly administer the death penalty, I do believe it makes the world a safer place. From a practical pov, life is prison does the same thing, so I'm okay with getting rid of it. I think harsher sentences for violent crimes need to be in place and softer for non-violent crimes (drug use, possession, dealing).
Also, the cult of worshiping and pitying criminals is out of control. Not one mention of the victims, their names, how they spend their last minutes on earth, etc. We know all the criminals and treat them as borderline celebrities but are quick to toss the victims down the memory hole. I imagine the 'fame' aspect to serious crime is a motivator that only guarantees more crime.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
How about doing like the Norwegians: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-18135537 Their kids (have been taught to) kill less than kids in any American state. EDIT: Don't know why I can't reply to any post, but the Norwegians actually have a diversity not that much unlike the US (15 percent immigrants / children of immigrants): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigration_to_Norway
They have a uniform culture. Everything gets easier with a common mindset. Folks keep using Norway as a fish-in-the-barrel ideal case of how anything can work. But its probably not transferable to the population of the most diverse nation on earth.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
And on the flip side... If you let your emotions get the better of you one time, there's always 2nd chance. Which lesson should be taught to kids?
How about doing like the Norwegians: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-18135537 Their kids (have been taught to) kill less than kids in any American state. EDIT: Don't know why I can't reply to any post, but the Norwegians actually have a diversity not that much unlike the US (15 percent immigrants / children of immigrants): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigration_to_Norway