Tuesday, February 20, 2007

make them public

A majority of Americans are in support of capital punishment. It's been said by a professor who is a retributivist advocate of the death penalty that we should make executions public. He says specifically, "My view is that executions should be public, that we should take responsibility for what we do. If we can't face it, we should abolish it."

-

7 Comments:

Blogger Casey. said...

As much as this frightens me, I think it's true. There are so many acts of violence in our society that are signed off on, and justified without anyone actually experiencing the reality of them.

6:52 PM  
Blogger Kester Smith... said...

i agree with the sentiment (i am against the death penalty) but fear that this would just become one more thing we'd work to become desensitized to.

8:09 PM  
Blogger Beverly said...

I don't believe in the death penalty. I think their punishment should be like to come clean a single mom's house like mine. Wouldn't that be cool..they have to work their fingers to the bone helping others for the rest of their life, I mean, there is plenty to be done.

7:45 AM  
Blogger Jenni said...

In addition to making everyone "own" the decision, it would also provide a visible reminder to those who do wrong of a possible consequence of their actions. Which is why hangings/beheadings/etc were previously carried out in the town square for everyone to see.

8:27 AM  
Blogger Sean said...

Joe,

You are probably up on Walter Wink's - I think it's Wink - work on "The Myth of Redemptive Violence". I am reminded of the "myth" when issues like this are raised.

11:47 AM  
Blogger Jana said...

frightening!!! if i add anything else, my comment might well turn into a long diatribe. i'll refrain.

8:21 AM  
Blogger Jana said...

ps - i really like beverly's idea. she may have been joking, but i think a "life term" of helping others is something to consider.

8:24 AM  

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home