I didn't mean a torturous death. Rather, that being put to death now just seems like a cop-out. After everything he's done, death by hanging just doesn't seem enough. I feel like there should be more punishment. I don't condone the death penalty personally, but that's just the culture I was raised in.

Yeah, I can somewhat hear you, but I think we can really run this in circles . . . we could call just about any punishment a 'cop-out' or 'not enough' - it's not like we have a vast number of similar cases to fall back on.

I just feel like killing him now does the most toward obviating potential martyrdom . . .

Killing people is bad! We're going to kill you to prove that! Now everybody will see that it is bad. :rolleyes:

Do you see what happens when you kill people? You get killed too! This will work as a deterrent, I promise!

I'm not sure the lack of deterrent effect is really an appropriate argument here, considering the vast cultural differences (and extreme differences in what is considered 'appropriate' punishment) - besides this, I would probably have to argue that 'symbolic' punishments are far more appropriate a comparison in this case, since you can't really come up with a commensurate or appropriate punishment/rehabilitation strategy for someone who, y'know, gassed 5000 Kurds.

It's just not a similar system or situation, so I really don't feel comfortable getting all argumentative up in this bitch, GP/centaur.

Awesome! I've set up a little firing squad in my back yard -- come on over and we'll hook you up!

I don't like the death penalty ever. I agree that what he did was heinous but I just don't think it is ever okay.

No torture. Granted, I'm not necc against torture, but lets hang him/shoot him and move on. They should kill him tommorow in a completely unceremonial way.

Word, and I don't necessarily disagree - but the whole point is that the rationale behind why I don't really get down w/ CapPun doesn't necessarily apply directly here. It seems a little counterproductive, is what I'm getting at.

I know it's a different system. However, realize that the only countries in the world other than the USA who use the death penalty are run by a theocracy. Some may argue that the USA is headed towards a theocracy, but that's irrelevant to this discussion. I understand that in the middle east, this is an acceptable form of punishment. However, in the society we live in, I cannot accept it. Therein lies the difference.

It doesn't really, I just dislike the whole "I love the death penalty" train of thought.

This is one of the most idiotic things I've ever heard anyone say. You would actually be ok with prison officials killing people sentenced to death by dismembering them, strangling them, or bludgeoning them to death depending on the case? And what about if someone (such as numerous serial killers in our countries history) sexually assaulted their victims right before or after their death? Even though that didn't cause their death, it's certainly not something that can be ignored? Would you like prison officials to engage in this as well, just to make SURE the punishment fit the crime? I don't know if you actually thought your statement through before you made it, but people need to realize that sometimes the crimes people commit are just too horrific (Saddam and so many others) to be evenly "matched" with a punishment. I believe it takes truly sick and messed up people to commit crimes like these, and I don't think that *I personally* would want those type of people being in charge of official government executions.

Ok I am sorry to hijack this thread with my ramblings. Personally, I don't care what happens to Saddam whether he hangs, dies by a firing squad, or rots in jail for the rest of his life. All that matters to me is that he'll never again be a free man and able to commit any more crimes. The end.

:)

over in that part of the world, they still do public hangings, beheadings and stonings.

Which I don't understand.

"Honey come on, get the sandwiches, soda and potato salad ready. Did someone bring a blanket to sit on? We gotta get a move on so we can get a good seat for the execution!"
(being facetious) ;)
WTF? :confused:

I'm aware of that. I just posted that link as an FYI.

My guess is that he'll either be assassinated or get an appeal that will last forever.