A Death Row that Looks Like America?
Jonathan's position seems to be: Too many people who deserve the death penalty don't get it, so we should stop giving it to people who do. Huh?
We'd be better served asking what value -- besides vengeance -- is served by executing a killer. In the case of Alvarez, the answer is: none.
Does killing him make society safer? No. Would it deter crime? The threat of execution didn't deter Alvarez. Would it save money? Nope. Life sentences are much cheaper than the capital-punishment appeals process.
If we answer these questions honestly, we find that capital punishment is usually of little value in modern society -- except that, viscerally, it feels good. And that's a terrible reason to do anything, let alone take a life.
Chris
I like your phrase. If I had to do it over again, I'd use "I want a death row that looks like America." That would help establish that we might be able to employ it fairly and rarely. Hmmm, sounds like the abortion debate.
Cheers!
Jonathan
To Chris. Alvarez commited a crime. 11 killing. Once Alvarez was found guilty why should he not be immediately executed? What is the cost of an execution? What is the cost to keep this criminal alive for the rest of his life? Who is paying for all this and who is going to make money on this?
I don't know if "because it feels good" is necessarily a bad reason to do anything, but I absolutely agree with you. I can't understand anyone who might feel good about the death penalty, but I'm sure there are some who do.
It is a barbaric practice that serves as a wonderful reminder of entertainment back in the old Roman days.
Good points, Bruce. You know, in these little exchanges -- which we print in Sunday's paper -- we're limited to 125 words, so that limits the ability to make a point. To elbaorate: While "it feels good" is not necessarily a bad reason for doing something (why else would someone go into a Jacuzzi?) -- it is an INSUFFICIENT reason for doing something with potentially grave moral consequences.
That make a little more sense?
I hear you, but I really have to learn to use smiley faces more often.
BTW, you guys do a great job in the paper and on this board. What do I have to do to convince the powers that be to restore Viewpoint to its former glory? Sue? ;~)