Five reasons to oppose death penalty

Although a left winger, I am generally opposed to the death penalty, BUT there are some good reasons to apply it, when there is no hope of turning the person around.

Edited by Sean Trane - July 04 2006 at 03:58

Sean Trane wrote: Although a left winger, I am generally opposed to the death penalty, BUT there are some good reasons to apply it, when there is no hope of turning the person around.   Guys like Dutroux (the serial pedophile and murderer a decade ago in Belgium) are not even feeling guilty and the only thing they regret is geeting caught. This type of arseholes are constant danger and predatory AND WILL ALWAYS BE. In this case the only sensible solution is get rid of the risk. Nothing inhumane about it.   I once discussed this with a real religious person completely opposed to the death penalty, as he wanted these murderers (I am talking of those that are really munderes >> not involuntary mansleughter , usually those will regret their act) to feel guilt and remorse about his act. As if someone intentionally killing another that has done him nothing beforehand (this means that people out for revenge after not being able to get justice done are not included for death penalty either), could possibly regret it...........     For some reasons , I do not think a terrorist acting on a political ideal should get death penalty (outside of the reason this would likely mahe him a martyr to the eyes of others such people), because a terrorist act on desperation >>> or else he is manipulated.     If the cost can be a reason, I am more concerned of the other

Equality 7-2521 - But being able to chose which step you sleep on is better than being told to sleep in a warm bed if you ask me.

Edited by Equality 7-2521 - July 04 2006 at 03:37

Listen, it's not a question of cowardice or anything - anybody who knows me personally also knows I'm not afraid to tackle sensitive issues in the least. The thing is, it seems to me what we call a "wall-to-wall" situation, where neither of the parties concerned is likely to back off an inch. I find it frustrating, to say the least.

Secondly, my ideas on the issue of the taking of a human life by another human being can be extremely unconventional: just to give you an idea, I'm against the death penalty, but I also think people who create lots of suffering and unhappiness around the world would deserve to die. I'm thinking, for instance, of those who exploit workers without giving them any security for the future, humiliating them and squeezing every drop out of them for a handful of coins, because they know they need the money. This is happening more and more in the society where I live, and when I hear the tales that some of my friends and acquaintances tell me, I can get positively homicidal.

Violence takes many forms. A child murderer evokes the strongest reactions of horror and even hatred (I know, because we had a case of cold-blooded child murder in Italy only a couple of months ago) - but those owners of building sites who don't allow any security on those sites at the expense of their underpaid workers' life and health are at least potential, cold-blooded murderers as well.

Faith in God, Hugues, is just that; faith, it can neither be proved right nor wrong. Nothing is explained by science or common sense when it comes to religion. People are into christianity for different reasons(I am orthodox, and if I wasn't a Christian I would be a lot more depraved than I am), and those believe in God do not demand any proof that He exists, although some are sure, whilst others _believe_.

ivansfr0st wrote: Faith in God, Hugues, is just that; faith, it can neither be proved right nor wrong. Nothing is explained by science or common sense when it comes to religion. People are into christianity for different reasons(I am orthodox, and if I wasn't a Christian I would be a lot more depraved than I am), and those believe in God do not demand any proof that He exists, although some are sure, whilst others _believe_.   It seems juvenile to me that you ask for proof and, on top of it all, claim God to be guilty of everything wrong happening in the world.    -- Ivan

Allow me to comment briefly on one of your remarks here, though it is quite off-topic. I don't think being religious is an antidote to depravation (whatever this word means) or just bad behaviour of any kind. I know many non-religious people (including myself, though I am more of an agnostic than a militant atheist) who are as far from being depraved as they come. I also know many so-called religious people who, if not actually depraved, are not the nicest people on earth, as well as being always ready to judge other people's behaviour.

On the other hand, I am completely in agreement with you on the issue of the nature of faith. Either you have it or you haven't. It can't be either forced or eradicated.

I think this thread and the general willingness to kill is enough proof that it should be abolished.

ivansfr0st wrote: I wouldn't go as far as telling you that everything horrible that has happened happened so because of the will of God. My entire life is not based around faith or around God, but it helps. However, religious fanatics will tell you that if something horrible happens to you, if you lose someone dear to you, or if everything in the world goes wrong, it is "punishment for our sins" or "it's God testing our faith". Ironically, many people lose their faith in God immediately after something similar to things described happens.   Like I have said, I am not a fanatic and Christian idealogy isn't exacly what occupies and controls my mind. I believe in God, simply because it was thrusted on me in early childhood. If I hadn't been born in a religious family, I wouldn't be religious now, and nor would I be searching for God for that matter. However, as long my faith in God remains(it hasn't shattered yet)I have no misunderstandings within my family, as Christianity partly helps us to live in peace without any problems, and also to feel my national identity, which goes well with Orthodox Christianity that I am part of.   It is often reminded that Christianity is not always tolerant, ever since its beginning. Logically though, I take inspiration directly from the Bible itself, not historical sources about Crusaders or whatever.   I believe religion to be the perfect source of positivity for me. If you can go without it and do just fine, that's great, but speaking about myself, I think I can not. I never force my beliefs upon people, and I have never tried converting anyone to Christianity, nor do I plan to.    -- Ivan

Edited by Sean Trane - July 04 2006 at 05:09

I dont really know anything about death penality history, but this is my opinion