[justamom]

KSig RC- Were we looking at the same thing??? What I saw was a lot of high level crimes that NEVER should have been pardoned or should have held greater sentences. People get out of jail far too easily IMO. Anyway, I didn't take a count on the cases or break it down into statistics, I just scanned it.

I share some of your thinking, but not all. One point you made that I readily agree with is-"Rather, I'll openly state that if we wish to institute the death penalty, it must only be openly due to the fact that death is felt to be an appropriate punishment for the crimes committed." However, I think it was James (Lil G also) who said we each could interpret this differently. When that young boy was caned in Singapore, Americas felt it was barbaric. Yet, it was acceptable in their country. So who will set the standards?

I also agree that the whole sytem is at fault, right down to Juvi and the court system as a whole. The only "solution" I see must start in the home. Believe it or not, a whole theory developed around the famous Dr. Spock. Many hold him and his theories of child rearing responsible for the impulsive nature of MY generation which in turn has been deemed responsible for the lack of conscience in some of our children-YOUR generation. When our values become so mired in looking out for number one, we lose site of the greater picture. What I am trying to say is until our society as a whole steps up to the task and takes responsibility for our deeds the criminal element will continue to thrive and commit atrocities. Sad thing is, I do not see this happening.

A criminal is a criminal. I believe I would be hard pressed to find one that DEescalated his/her activities. Does anyone start out raping an infant and drowning it in a tub of scalding water? OR do they start out by shaking the baby or locking it in a closet when it cries? If allowed to move beyond point A, aren't the odds greater that B occur?

As far as the state passing laws to kill its own citizens... It is also important that the state PROTECT all citizens and the death penalty absolutely assures at least ONE piece of excrement will NEVER harm another living soul.