Any Opinions On The Death Penalty? (crime rate, house, to live)

[KYcoyote]

Why not public executions??

The last public hanging here occurred circa 1936 at Owensboro. Carnival atmosphere developed with thousands attending festivities from nearby states. Kentucky being the last holdout to sponsor public hangings, it was worth the trip with local vendors setting up shop, politicians making speeches and county sheriff acting as master of ceremonies.

Then when it came time, the hangman showed up drunk as a skunk stumbling up the stairs and bungling every bit of the operation. Sheriff even called for a volunteer from the crowd at one point to accomplish duties of the drunken hangman whom the Sheriff publicly dismissed on stage with laughter and applause from the crowd. At first dead silence swept the place following the call for volunteer, then members of the crowd quickly started 'nominating' one or another from amongst themselves to accomplish this diresome task. Interestingly, none of the politicians previously delivering speeches raised their hand to actually pull the lever.

Meanwhile procedings of this famous event dragged out all morning long. I guess when everybody got bored, they finally decided to execute the sentence. And then with the crowd whipped into frenzy with 'souvenir' hunters storming the platform and snatching the hood, ripping off bits of the dead guys hair and clothing. Even its been reported that couple of fingers were severed from deadguy's hand with pocket knives for keepsake.

[kygman]

Unique, I agree that they take to long to carry out sentence. Not that long ago, a man on death row in Eddyville penetentiary died of old age at the hospital in Paducah. I'm not sure about just one month. I think they should have one year, enough time for one appeal. If they lose the appeal, give them an hour with family, clergy, or whoever, then be executed.

[DPFS]

Hi,

Interesting debate. If you want more information on the death penalty, I would suggest the following links.

deathpenaltyfencesitters - HOME
Death Penalty Fence Sitters :: Index

DPFS

[tomocox]

Bumblebees can't fly. Whether it's fact or just "old wives tale", it makes a point. If our government wrongly executes 1 innocent person in 1000. How many innocent people die at the hands of a self-appointed judge & executioner? If there is only a free ride as Jesse Jackson said in the 1996 Democratic Convention, when he said many commit crimes to avoid responsibility and get "three hots and a cot".

People who "pull the trigger" obviously believe in the death penalty, so if a person believes in something, why wouldn't they accept what they believe, too?

[missymomof3]

Originally Posted by tomocox

Bumblebees can't fly. Whether it's fact or just "old wives tale", it makes a point. If our government wrongly executes 1 innocent person in 1000. How many innocent people die at the hands of a self-appointed judge & executioner? If there is only a free ride as Jesse Jackson said in the 1996 Democratic Convention, when he said many commit crimes to avoid responsibility and get "three hots and a cot".

People who "pull the trigger" obviously believe in the death penalty, so if a person believes in something, why wouldn't they accept what they believe, too?

Absolutely! But,as un-PC as this is, I believe that the person should be killed in the very way that they killed their victims.

[marmac]

"vengance is mine,says the Lord"

[tomocox]

We are not speaking of vengance. We are talking about saving people. In WWI, Sgt. Alvin York had a terrible choice to make. He could either kill 20 of the enemy, or let the enemy kill hundreds of Americans. Christ did not tell the theif on the cross, "step down and go home, your sins are forgiven," although He certainly had the power to do so. Christ instead said, paraphrased, "your sins are forgiven, and you shall be in Heaven with me."

This is not about condemning a murderer or rapist to Hell, but rather preventing further disruption of an innocent person's natural life.

[EarthBound?]

Being that I worked as a Corrections Officer, I would say "Yes" to the Death Penalty. And we should all adapt the idea like Texas. "If three or more people see you commit the murder, then you go strait to the chair." I like to call it the "Express Lane".

[marmac]

what does life in prison without parole fail to accomplish that an execution does?

(besides revenge)

[EarthBound?]

Originally Posted by marmac

what does life in prison without parole fail to accomplish that an execution does?

(besides revenge)

Theres no revenge to it, if its the LAW OF THE LAND. Besides I really don't like the idea of a child somewhere out there that has no food in his or her belly because a murderer has to be fed, clothed, or housed with our tax dollars.

Now if someone kills my wife, ie a drunk driver, drug addict or otherwise. You can bet your bottom dollar they won't make it to prison. I'll probably be taking thier place. My life would be destroyed, now so will thiers. Now That Called REVENGE.