Something to think about: The effect of executions on people.

[riff]

I don't intend this to be a debate on the death penalty, but knowing how things run here, I'm sure it will turn into one.

It's so strange to me to talk to people who I know and respect as kind and compassionate people and hear them talking like sadistic, rabid hyenas. It was as though I could feel the Earth's gravity getting stronger.

There are plenty of people who favor capital punishment who don't act this way, and I respect them for that.

And I have no doubt that in many households, children got to hear their parents saying things like "he deserves to be slowly fried in oil," or "the needle is too fast, I would slowly skin him alive," and probably worse. And we wonder about our violence problems in America.

 

[unusuallyconfused]

On the other hand Riff, it is a shame to hear others call him HERO. Kids probably will get the wrong idea from that as well. I also am very wimpy today and do not want to get into a debate, but it is just overwhelmingly sad. Sad for the victims, sad for the debate that will make this guy a little more of a hero for those that think he should be there. Sigh* I've been doing alot of that today. I am definately opposite from your perspective, but if it makes you understand some of us better, please know that I am not jumping up and down about his death (I'm very solemn) and I do not bring crazy comments to my kids about this. If they asked me I would have a serious discussion. Hope at least that makes you feel a little better that those that have opposite view points aren't always the bad guy or girl in my case.

There were a lot of families there who wanted to witness this. I think that our opinions are great but the personal opinions of those that were affected should have the most weight.

Am I opening myself up on this. Be gentle.

 

[Sparky Kronkite]

Until Barbaric activity deminishes.....

To something less than a major factor in our society....

Even those of us who fully realize the logic for rational, peaceful coexistence - must come to the conclusion that....

Barbaric activity - on both sides of any given issue - will be a part of our lives.

What happened this morning is unfortunately a relatively normal circumstance of our current time.

It will unfortunately take a long time.

 

[Closet Desire]

It was a sad day...

...for me. Over a thousand people entering a lottery so they could "watch"?

Now what? Tomorrow the people who died in the blast will still be dead.

The man who stood at the helm while 152 people were executed is now embarking on a tour of Europe where he will first be greated by Spainards demonstrating against the US continuing use of capital punishment. Oh, they have a reason to be pissed. One of their countryment spent three years on death row in Florida before his conviction for a double murder was overturned. I shudder at the thought that some people want even quicker executions. His family would have felt the same way those in Oklahoma City did. He would have been yet another murder victim.

Sad.

 

[Bigdog]

And I have no doubt that in many households, children got to hear their parents saying things like "he deserves to be slowly fried in oil," or "the needle is too fast, I would slowly skin him alive," and probably worse. And we wonder about our violence problems in America.

I don't wonder at all, we are raising a nation of barbaric children. I have been in households like you described and it is depresssing to see.

I support the death penalty from a practical point of view. People like McVeigh do not have a place in our society and should be executed, but not in a tortuous fashion. Quick and painless is a must. That is what separates justice from revenge.