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It's wrong to kill people. I think most of us agree with that.
Doesn't it seem contradictory to kill people to demonstrate how wrong it is to kill? We don't rape rapists or beat up batterers to punish them. Our society should exemplify the highest ideals of humanity. When we apply the death penalty it becomes the most rigorous process and ritual we undertake. It entails procedures and sober solemnization beyond any other thing we do.
An observer might conclude that putting someone to death is the highest function of our society. He might conclude that it is the highest function of an individual. If the person is sick enough, he might arrogate that act to himself. We should not allow that.
While individuals might seek revenge, our aggregate society should reflect the better part of our nature, the part that knows that killing is wrong. That should set the example.
(Note: I posted these thoughts in another thread, but I don't think they'll get much attention in an old thread. I haven't seen this POV expressed in the other death penalty threads so I'm putting it in a new post. I hope I am forgiven for the conceit.)
--IMM
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