linusvanpelt

I go back and forth whether or not I think the death penalty is a good idea. I mean, it's been around for a long long time, and doubtless will be around for longer still. Not having been the victim of a violent crime or (thankfully) being close to anyone who has either, I cannot say I understand what a victim or a victim's loved ones go through when they agitate for it. There are some truly evil people in the world, and certainly many of them would make the world a better place in their absence. I, for one, not only did not shed a tear when Bin Laden was killed, I admit it felt pretty damn great when I heard the news.

That all said, I ultimately have to say we shouldn't have state sanctioned executions. Not because I am morally conflicted (though I kinda am) but more because there is always the chance, however slight, that we will mistakenly execute someone innocent of the crime they were convicted of.

Basically, I would be willing to bet the average person who is pro death penalty would say that OJ Simpson was guilty of the crime he was acquitted of. To that person, I would argue that if a jury can be fallible and find a guilty person innocent, then you have to assume the opposite (an innocent person found guilty) is a real possibility. The minute we execute someone later found to be innocent, the whole death penalty system needs to be abolished. I would imagine in the course of history it has happened.

To members of the Religious Right, most of whom seem to favor the death penalty, all you have to mention is that Jesus Christ was himself an innocent man executed by the state.