Gradually, most of the civilized world has abolished the death penalty. Conscientious people everywhere now realize that killing prisoners is a medieval barbarism suited for dictatorships, but not for modern democracies.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Gradually, most of the civilized world has abolished the death penalty. Conscientious people everywhere now realize that killing prisoners is a medieval barbarism suited for dictatorships, but not for modern democracies.
Of course, some murderers don't deserve to live, but that's not the point. Educated, enlightened governments shouldn't stoop to the murderers' level by killing them.
Of course, most people have a natural thirst for revenge after a heinous crime - but society shouldn't be rooted in such primal instincts.
It's a shame that America is almost the last pro-death democracy, ranking alongside brutal dictatorships such as China, Saudi Arabia, Iran and the like. America was tainted, for example, when former Texas Gov. George W. Bush set an all-time record of putting people to death - and mocked one woman about to be killed.
We're proud that West Virginia rose above this status long ago by ending state executions. We're always pleased when another state takes the same step. New Jersey did so last year.
Now it seems likely that Maryland will follow. The Maryland Commission on Capital Punishment voted strongly to eliminate executions. The commission's findings, to be given to legislators Dec. 15, reportedly conclude:
Prosecutors are more likely to seek death when victims are white. They show less concern when a black is killed.
Executions do not deter murders.
Capital cases cost taxpayers much more and take substantially longer than non-capital murder cases.
Rather than providing "closure" for a victim's family, the drawn-out appeal process adds to the family's stress.
Risk of executing an innocent person is strong, because many death row convictions have been found faulty.
The ultimate punishment is spotty by geography. Prosecutors in Baltimore County are 13 times more likely to seek execution than are those in the city of Baltimore.
Much of the world regards America as a brutal place where people are put to death. We hope that Maryland and other states join West Virginia in rising above that level.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Gradually, most of the civilized world has abolished the death penalty. Conscientious people everywhere now realize that killing prisoners is a medieval barbarism suited for dictatorships, but not for modern democracies.
Of course, some murderers don't deserve to live, but that's not the point. Educated, enlightened governments shouldn't stoop to the murderers' level by killing them.
Of course, most people have a natural thirst for revenge after a heinous crime - but society shouldn't be rooted in such primal instincts.
It's a shame that America is almost the last pro-death democracy, ranking alongside brutal dictatorships such as China, Saudi Arabia, Iran and the like. America was tainted, for example, when former Texas Gov. George W. Bush set an all-time record of putting people to death - and mocked one woman about to be killed.
We're proud that West Virginia rose above this status long ago by ending state executions. We're always pleased when another state takes the same step. New Jersey did so last year.
Now it seems likely that Maryland will follow. The Maryland Commission on Capital Punishment voted strongly to eliminate executions. The commission's findings, to be given to legislators Dec. 15, reportedly conclude:
Prosecutors are more likely to seek death when victims are white. They show less concern when a black is killed.
Executions do not deter murders.
Capital cases cost taxpayers much more and take substantially longer than non-capital murder cases.
Rather than providing "closure" for a victim's family, the drawn-out appeal process adds to the family's stress.
Risk of executing an innocent person is strong, because many death row convictions have been found faulty.
The ultimate punishment is spotty by geography. Prosecutors in Baltimore County are 13 times more likely to seek execution than are those in the city of Baltimore.
Much of the world regards America as a brutal place where people are put to death. We hope that Maryland and other states join West Virginia in rising above that level.
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Did I read you correctly ?
"Mixed"....about death ?
"Oh, good"' says The State,"we like open minds. As wide as possible...to drive our truck through. Lot easier than going the long way around, thank you very much. We can continue do business together. Now, if you really want to show you care for The State, then bring it some more bodies. PRONTO ! [belch] The State has it from good report that here is a shortage of bodies on death row, in Iraq, in the National Service, wearing badges on the street, lining up for State assistance, manning domestic wire taps, and shoe horned into public schools and into the four-year-college programs-that-instead-last-six".
" CONTINUE TO BRING ME MORE BODIES ! I HAVE PLANS !"
We can discuss your "mixed" feelings and thoughts just before The State comes for you.
skepdoc, Enemy of The State and The Church.
I dont 'think' in terms of Pro-Death penalty, at the same time I respect and understand the needs and realities of Self Defense and Combat. I have had horrific violence done upon my person. I have commited violence upon other people in defense of myself and others. I've been shot, and stabbed, and even had to give up any ability to play guitar or violin due to a stab wound in my hand..I wasn't great to begin with, but it was fun.. not now. I dunno, I am mixed I admit.