We have more people in jail per capita than virtually every other industrialized nation. And that’s with the death penalty, which we share with Iraq, Iran, Syria, and China.
motive, I’ve thought about that and I don’t know what the solution is (and heretofore no one’s asking me ;oD)
I don’t want to let loose people just so they can harm others again, in whatever way they did prior. So what’s the answer?
No one’s asking me, either. But I see two answers to your question: (1) why we shouldn’t be using the death penalty regardless, and (2) what we should be doing instead.
Why we shouldn’t be using the death penalty:
Life sentences are less expensive to the taxpayer than the death penalty, which typically requires lots of appeals – and should, before anyone asks!
As a Catholic Christian, I believe in redemption. There’s also research that indicates that people can change – even the violent. (I am appalled by the “pro-life” people who want to save every cell of the unborn but are willing to execute the adult. Hypocrites much?) Even if they’re still in jail, there are ways they can contribute to society
It is very, very clear that we administer the death penalty far more often to blacks than whites. Also to the poor more than the rich.
What we should do:
life, or at least very long, sentences, with a more intelligent approach to evaluating people.
motive, thanks for responding. The death penalty is one of those things I generally don’t discuss/argue with others because the discussion goes nowhere. Abortion is another one.
I too believe in redemption and forgiveness. As always, the devil is in the details. It’s difficult to discern the difference between those in prison who are rehabilitated and those who game the system and will re-offend upon release having learned greater skills in prison.
My state, California, is exporting prisoners to other states because the prisons are so full they’re holding double the number of inmates the facilities are intended to hold. The federal govt has taken over the operation of the state prisons,. by court order, because the conditions have become inhumane by overcrowding and little or no healthcare.
Some folks blame the “three strikes and you’re out” law, but, on the other hand, after three violent felonies, not sure I disagree, and very sure I don’t want them to commit the fourth and fifth.
I don’t know the answer.
I worked in a max security penitentiary for several years . First, revisit the drug laws. A lot of people are locked up for being addicts. It would be cheaper and I think, more effective to deal with drug addiction in the community. We have to give people in urban ghettos a chance at getting a decent education and job oportunities. It is a big problem and calls for social reform.
MaryWorth Premium Member over 15 years ago
Don’t forget to add editorial cartoonist to that list!
Motivemagus over 15 years ago
Hey, it’s showbiz, right? Ooops – no, it isn’t. And I love how Zucker tried to criticize Jon Stewart for being a comedian. “Thanks!”
twieliczka over 15 years ago
“Sounds Like A Good Suggestion”, Cramer. What’s the stock symbol and a good price to get in at?
deadheadzan over 15 years ago
People employed in penitentaries are on the list, too. It seems like 50% of the population has the other 50% locked up.
Motivemagus over 15 years ago
We have more people in jail per capita than virtually every other industrialized nation. And that’s with the death penalty, which we share with Iraq, Iran, Syria, and China.
believecommonsense over 15 years ago
motive, I’ve thought about that and I don’t know what the solution is (and heretofore no one’s asking me ;oD) I don’t want to let loose people just so they can harm others again, in whatever way they did prior. So what’s the answer?
Motivemagus over 15 years ago
No one’s asking me, either. But I see two answers to your question: (1) why we shouldn’t be using the death penalty regardless, and (2) what we should be doing instead. Why we shouldn’t be using the death penalty:
Life sentences are less expensive to the taxpayer than the death penalty, which typically requires lots of appeals – and should, before anyone asks! As a Catholic Christian, I believe in redemption. There’s also research that indicates that people can change – even the violent. (I am appalled by the “pro-life” people who want to save every cell of the unborn but are willing to execute the adult. Hypocrites much?) Even if they’re still in jail, there are ways they can contribute to society It is very, very clear that we administer the death penalty far more often to blacks than whites. Also to the poor more than the rich. What we should do: life, or at least very long, sentences, with a more intelligent approach to evaluating people.believecommonsense over 15 years ago
motive, thanks for responding. The death penalty is one of those things I generally don’t discuss/argue with others because the discussion goes nowhere. Abortion is another one. I too believe in redemption and forgiveness. As always, the devil is in the details. It’s difficult to discern the difference between those in prison who are rehabilitated and those who game the system and will re-offend upon release having learned greater skills in prison. My state, California, is exporting prisoners to other states because the prisons are so full they’re holding double the number of inmates the facilities are intended to hold. The federal govt has taken over the operation of the state prisons,. by court order, because the conditions have become inhumane by overcrowding and little or no healthcare. Some folks blame the “three strikes and you’re out” law, but, on the other hand, after three violent felonies, not sure I disagree, and very sure I don’t want them to commit the fourth and fifth. I don’t know the answer.
deadheadzan over 15 years ago
I worked in a max security penitentiary for several years . First, revisit the drug laws. A lot of people are locked up for being addicts. It would be cheaper and I think, more effective to deal with drug addiction in the community. We have to give people in urban ghettos a chance at getting a decent education and job oportunities. It is a big problem and calls for social reform.