This is such a divisive and emotive topic. Neither side of the argument has the whole answer or even the moral high ground. As a civilized species we are unable to agree on the best solution to the most serious crimes.
Even America can't decide, many states outlaw the death penalty, many embrace it. You would think that a country like America could analyse its crime figures and compare states that use it and those that don't. I have never seen any data to suggest that capital punishment can and does act as a deterrent however (as we have said before) it does feed the public's thirst for revenge on behalf of the state.
A friend of mine once argued that we (as a society) would not think twice about killing a dangerous dog that had attacked a child so why do we continue to "mess" around with criminals who hurt people (children in particular)..?
I agreed that killing dangerous dogs was widely supported by the public, however, I then asked if his son became responsible for the death of a child through drink or dangerous driving would he readily condemn him to die or would he "as a parent" try to find an argument against the death penalty? A reason to ask for clemency..? Would he love his son any less..? My friend said that was not the same argument, I replied it was worse, in my scenario the child dies.
The point I am trying to make is this, it is very easy to pass judgement and the death penalty on a dangerous dog, a child killer, a rapist and others, when you have no emotional attachment. The media often present and sensationalize a story to the point where the public condemn the defendant before he or she has had a trial. "Revenge" for that horrendous crime becomes the only viable outcome.
I believe in euthanasia and the individuals right to die, a final act of kindness for someone or something (usually pet dogs) that I have loved and cared for over many years. So I am not afraid of death or even making that decision (I have made it many times for pet dogs and I watched my father die of cancer very, very slowly). However I could not agree or support the killing of another human being on the grounds of revenge. For me that makes our civilized society equally as guilty as the man being executed.
I could be wrong, I may be branded as a tree hugging, bleeding heart liberal. (For those that do not know me I can assure you I am not), however on this topic I prefer to be cautious, getting it wrong, even once could be fatal.....
anyway, on a brighter note, its Saturday.....don't have to think about murder again until Monday.
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