Capital conundrum

[asterroc]

I'd bet you that most Americans would think that this death penalty was wrong (or at least distasteful), while most (vocal) Americans feel that this one would be just, or at least understandable. Why? Where do we draw the line?

Comments

[rosefox]

I think seeking the death penalty for Moussaoui is absurd, personally. But then, I have very strong opinions about the American justice system and its desperate need for overhaul, and compared to the amount of damage that many people sustain while in prison, the few state-sanctioned executions that take place every year are actually pretty small potatoes and rather low on my list of things to care about.

I don't place a high value on individual human lives, though. I think the planet would be better off with fewer people, at least until we learn how to live more efficiently.

[l0stmyrel1g10n.livejournal.com]

i'm against the death penalty for Moussaoui as well. but i think probably it's a matter of humanity...stabbing someone to death is considerably less humane than something like a lethal injection. the former takes longer and allows for more pain. i guess that's what most people's objection is.

[zandperl.livejournal.com]

Moussaoui would've been institutionalized, anonymous, the act of a nation. The first was a child killing in cold blood.

*shrug* I'm glad he got life instead. There's no reason for us to add blood to our own hands after his actions and those like him.