I can’t see any kindness in keeping people locked up in small frequently windowless rooms, improperly supervised so the weaker ones are abused by guards and each other and this to go on for decades in one short life, but I sure don’t want people like Charles Manson walking freely about the streets.

It is why we supposedly have a thoughtful and defined process for trials and convictions. That they are sometimes bent for unfair convictions, is something that should be addressed harshly. But, a proper execution that doesn’t ignore a certain human amount of respect for the executed is really less cruel and unusual than long sentences where all humanity is spat upon. Face it some people are just plain bad.

I find it hilarious that only in the past year has the nation, and the government more importantly, taken a step back to consider whether how we treat individuals, criminals at that, and whether it is cruel and inhumane. If anyone has ever taken a history lesson, or seen a movie on slavery, the colonization of America, and even the French Revolution (if that matters to you), when has anyone ever cared about the humane executions of their fellow men and women?

I think that there are both good arguments on either side of this issue. I can’t say that it would be beneficial for the judicial system to simply offer life sentences, since I know in California alone we spend more money maintaining jail facilities and caring for criminals than we do on the educational system, which even at that point penitentiaries are so overcrowded that men and women are only serving minimal portions of their sentences. Obviously while the majority of offenders don’t deserve the death penalty, I’m sure the population issues would only escalate if we were to rid ourselves of the practice entirely. And there’s part of me (as small as it may be) that believes that the consequence of death might actually persuade people to steer clear of the horrible crimes they are committing to even be considered for this punishment, but if only fear and ethics could ACTUALLY motivate people to serve the greater good….

On the other hand, I don’t know if I will ever accept the stance of an eye for an eye in response to crime. It is the same way I feel about monetary compensation in court when negligence on behalf of a company or person results in death. No matter what you do, it will never affect the outcome, which has already occurred, so why do we insist upon paying or killing to rid of the guilt and responsibility? Just for devil’s advocate’s sake, how does a multi-million dollar settlement help anyone sleep better when they have lost a loved one? O wait…I remember now that greed can consume even the most honest, caring, and sincere individuals at times.

Regardless of the action the judicial system and government takes, which they have determined now for the most part that they will continue the practice, I just find it funny that we are suddenly thinking about the humaneness of our actions. We found it just at one point to beat slaves and force them to work without pay, nutrition or health attention, we slaughtered native Americans only to establish a nation of immigrants (which we forget we all were at one point), and I’m pretty sure we torture prisoners of war for military information. After looking at so many practices in which we were perfectly capable of negating a conscience to carry out, the death penalty actually might look humane after all…

I see things stated by many politicians that “incense” me. Often times, I have wanted to respond and offer my opinion. But, no matter how much I try to ascertain who/where to send it, I can’t seem to get the info to do so.  Why not?  Are they unwilling/afraid of the inquiry or opinion?  Aren’t they “public servants” who get paid by the taxpaying public?  Are they no longer answerable to their employers? I think we need to “open” our society to discussion and the “required” opinion of those that employ them. I’m not quite sure how to approach this subject, but I would hope that the candidate(s) address the issue. I’ve read how Osama will, supposedly, “look” at potential criminal activities of the BU$HCO guys “might” be looked at for “possible” criminal prosecutions for their “law breaking & unconstitutional” behavior/actions, if he’s the “top” guy. So what. I still need a Govt’s employee, that I PAY FOR, to be held accountable.  That means “open” lines of communication!!
People, please don’t settle.  Go for it !! Big time.  Elect this guy and, then, DEMAND back, the stuff that we’re missing and the stuff that “THEY” have taken away from us.  After all is said and done...this may be our last shot at saving our country.  BTW...Hey, Cyrena.