bbm I agree wholeheartedly with the first paragraph of your post.
Today as Laura and Tim's families are finally able to revel in the realities of their hard fought victory, I admit that I revel with them. I cannot feel the same level of empathy for DM or MS. If they are sociopaths or psychopaths, as I believe they very likely are, then I think it could be argued that neither of them can or will appreciate the gravity of their crimes and exhibit genuine remorse, and IMO neither of them will feel the impact of the consecutive sentence as would persons without such afflictions. They will adapt in their new environment, IMO
As for MS, I don't think he followed along after DM. I think he was aimless with little ambition in life before DM and he also had a fascination with crime and violence. I think DM and MS were able to commit their crimes together because they both had a propensity for criminal activity and a wish for power among their peers. Killing people, keeping trophies and bragging about their crimes was the ultimate power trip and they were in on it together in every respect, IMO. They each chose to commit these murders and I believe with all my heart and soul - and my brain too - that if either had the chance again at freedom, society would continue to suffer for their lack of conscience. The price paid already is too steep.
I honestly cannot see either DM or MS changing if they are let loose. I am not an unfeeling or heartless person but I just can't and don't feel compassion for these very dangerous guys. Rather, I feel gratitude that Justice Code decided to show them the meaning of justice and by doing so, IMO, he restored public confidence in the justice system and a left us with a sense that at the very least the victims's families and the public are better protected and will not have to live with the threat of DM and MS creating chaos and calamity in our midst for at least the next 50 years.
JuneBug67, I feel for you that you have such a soft heart. :heartbeat:
All MOO