cecybeans
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If the DP magically became less expensive overnight, I would still be opposed to it. Killing people just isn't something I can get behind.
But just to be a pill and throw some fodder out there for people to get on me about ( as if i don;t provide enough) I do understand passionate murder to a degree. What I mean by that is, if i walked in and found someone raping my baby and I had a gun in my hand, I am quite sure i wouldn't hesitate to shoot to kill.
However, were this person brought to trial i would not support methodically putting them to death after giving it much thought and deliberation.
I am well aware that this is inconsistent and paradoxical, but I am just being honest.
I don't think that is paradoxical or inconsistent at all (and I would also be opposed to the death penalty regardless of cost).
The first death you describe is an instant and un-premeditated reaction to another crime. It is also defending an innocent child being brutalized.
The other death is a calculated and cold sentence that would be pronounced as punishment. Many think it is institutional murder and a hypocrisy, particularly if it is punishment itself for the crime of killing. It is rather Old Testament (vs the forgiving one's enemies standpoint of the New), although the old "eye for an eye" was considered an improvement at the time (it was kinder and gentler than a family feud and at least kept the direct punishment to the offender). Ancient societies saw it as the ultimate in measured justice.
We know more about criminal behavior now and are working toward seeing it as perhaps a combination of genetic and environmental causes, which of course does not excuse behavior, but it might just call for a measure of compassion.
I do not believe criminals should be allowed to repeat their crimes or enjoy life in society in any way. I believe in restorative justice as well and think that convicted criminals should pay their way and not have cushy cells and perks that many average taxpaying citizens cannot afford.
But I also think that killing a person does not prevent crime, teach any lessons and can also leave in its wake a family to suffer even more. If anything, I would like to see the wishes of the victim's family honored as to sentence if the DP was not altogether abolished as it is in most developed nations. JMHO