Death penalty for the Enron criminals (yes, this is a rant)

[bluestateguy]

I'm in a vindictive, hateful mood today. These Enron criminals are every bit as dangerous as the worst Al Qaeda terrorist. They should be disposed of, not playing tennis in the Club Fed at taxpayer expense with free health care, cable TV and 3 full meals a day.

They deserve the death penalty. That will send a message loud and clear to of the other criminals and crooks on Wall Street and corporate America that such high degree crookery will not be tolerated.

I know many people at DU have a principled objection to the death penalty, and I respect that. I just disagree. There is nothing in the handbook on being a liberal that says I have to oppose capital punishment. I would add, however, that many liberals oppose the death penalty because of racial and economic disparities in its application. That problem would be quickly fixed, if we made it such that white collar supercriminals could be subject to the death penalty. The prospect of powerful, middle aged white men who have committed corporate crimes being dragged off to the death chamber would make many liberals rethink their opposition to capital punishment.

[mvd]

1. No, I'm for life in prison for them

I'm against the death penalty whether it's for someone in the ghetto or an executive. There must be no chance that someone on death row can be innocent. Plus, I'm morally against it - I don't think the state should be killing for any reason.

The only way I'd be for the death penalty is if we lived in an anarchist country. Then, safety of our citizens would take precedence.

You have the right idea in a way, though - our justice system needs to become more equal.

[MrTriumph]

3. Hmm. The death penalty for ruining the lives of thousands?

Steal a loaf of bread in Texas and you pay dearly.

Steal millions from investors (like so many of the S&Ls in the '80s) and get a slap on the wrist (or move on to elected office).

[mvd]

4. Our jails are plenty sufficient for me at least..

to keep the dangerous people (whether they be murderers or white collar criminals) away from society. And the loss of freedom IMO makes up for having to pay some taxes to keep them alive.

I'm not saying that opinions can't vary, but I see no reason for the DP.

[smokey nj]

2. I understand your outrage...........

although I don't support the death penalty. I would love it if rich corporate criminals face hard time not just "Club-Fed" terms of merely a few years. They should leave prison penniless, I'd like to ALL of their assets seized and distributed to the victims of their crimes. In my fantasy, Ken Lay comes out of prison and has to work as a greeter at Wal-mart.

[enid602]

5. I can just see it now on the news . . .

Carla Fay Lay begs for clemency.