Hang Them All

The death penalty only serves to continue violence; it is not a deterrence. It costs more than life in prison with no parole. It is highly discriminatory. It is killing in the name of the state--every citizen. It is morally, socially, economically wrong. Stop official killing that is meant to teach people killing is wrong.

Jerry Seinfeld once wondered about the term "death penalty." In his view, it's more than a mere "penalty!" A traffic fine is a penalty - being put to death is on another level entirely.

My feeling is that a government's putting people to death is generally a bad idea. And enabling small subdivisions of government (e.g. the State of New York, etc.) to put people to death is even more unsettling.

If we insist on allowing governmental entities to put people to death, I suggest we broadcast every execution - make watching mandatory in public schools - so we can all witness what is being done in our name.

I think the death penalty has the effect of making us all murderers, fractionally. I think it is therefore reasonable to force everyone to experience the consequences in the form of a broadcast execution, and doubt that many would have the stomach to return for a second helping. In that sense, the "voting" would turn against this punishment, and it might eventually be abolished.

just saying "bring back the death penalty" is meaningless. When you propose an idea you have to give a reason for it.

The only valid reason I can think of is its deterrence effect.

You have to show that the number of serious crimes committed with a death penalty in effect is lower than when there is no dealth penalty.

Harris County, Texas, executes more people than the other 49 states, combined, yet Houston still has a murder rate that's as high as anywhere in the country.

As a deterrent, it only deters the executed.

In the case of serial killers, I have to wholeheartedly endorse the death penalty, but in other cases, life without parole is a much more fitting punishment, much cheaper, and a better deterrent.

Is it a deterrent? Call me a coward, but I would rather get a lethal injection than spend the rest of my life in prison without hope of parole. With all of the murder-suicides and suicide (homicide) bomber/killers, could death perhaps NOT be the best deterrent?

Yes, there are many cases of undeniable guilt. But what if one innocent person is put to death --is it worth it? --is it worth it if that person is you?