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July 9, 2008
Why I oppose the death penalty
Not only do I consider it off-limits for a state to exercise the ultimate violence against one of its citizens, even when that individual has committed heinous crimes; I also think that killing the perpetrator shortens the amount of natural time for that person to experience guilt, shame, and punishment such as incarceration (with labor). Add to these reasons the public cost of the terribly lengthy appeal process, and recent revelations about mistaken identities, and I think I have a solid argument against capital punishment.
Now, I understand that when some readers come across a story like this one, their reactions will invariably include sentiments that, if followed through, would end in the death of this young woman. Her negligence and stupidity are that enraging.
But killing that woman will not bring the baby back. And then there'd be blood on our hands, instead of on hers (because she'd be dead).
And she was someone's baby, too. That aside, though, and with all possible sympathy toward her family, I want this woman to be locked up and punished for this unthinkable deed for a long, long time. Giving her "the hot shot" would be providing an easier way out.
Policy , Politics is Personal | By joe lance | 8:30 AM
Comments
Although it may shorten the time the perpetrator must experience guilt for their actions, it increases the ridiculous amount of money that you and I have to spend to take care of them.
Posted by: Kevin at July 13, 2008 2:08 PM