If you think Executions in the U.S. are private to protect the condemned, you're pretty out of it.  I mean shit, if you want to "protect the condemned", here's a thought: don't fucking execute him!

The real reason that executions aren't public in the U.S. is because the U.S. government knows that it would cause a massive upsurge in the number of people who'd go against the death penalty.

Its really easy to be "pro-death penalty" until you've actually seen someone being killed.

RPGPundit

Quote from: RPGPunditThe real reason that executions aren't public in the U.S. is because the U.S. government knows that it would cause a massive upsurge in the number of people who'd go against the death penalty.

Its really easy to be "pro-death penalty" until you've actually seen someone being killed.

That's a very optimistic viewpoint.  I'd counter that maybe the concern is that if people were used to seeing killings on YouToob they would become less concerned about people dying, rather than more.  Familiarity breeds contempt, and all that.

Quote from: TonyLBThat's a very optimistic viewpoint.  I'd counter that maybe the concern is that if people were used to seeing killings on YouToob they would become less concerned about people dying, rather than more.  Familiarity breeds contempt, and all that.

In the civilized parts of the world, where execution was long since abolished, part of what led to that abolition was objection to the cruelty of execution.  This was a very vocal objection because people had seen these executions done publically, and thus knew just how terrible it was.

RPGPundit

Quote from: JimBobOz"Officer, if I didn't sell drugs to these underage hookers, someone else would do it anyway."
"Well, that's alright then, son. Be on your way."

You are truly an origninal thinker. This reply shows that. Never has anyone uttered these sentiments before. You should be proud.  

My point was not that we might as well, because someone else is going to anyway, it was that even if we stop it won't make a difference. We are doomed. We should stop, I'm all for it, in fact. We are doomed, though, and all the moral victories in the world won't change that.

Quote from: RPGPunditIn the civilized parts of the world, where execution was long since abolished, part of what led to that abolition was objection to the cruelty of execution.  This was a very vocal objection because people had seen these executions done publically, and thus knew just how terrible it was.

Wouldn't work out that way nowadays, I'd say.

Quote from: RPGPunditIts really easy to be "pro-death penalty" until you've actually seen someone being killed.

RPGPundit

I've seen executions, and I'm fine with the concept of the death penalty.  I'm also fine with pulling the trigger myself when the situation arises.  Of course, my opinions on the subject aren't driven by a lot of emotion, either.

P.S. I'm amazed that the condemnation of Saddam is so ambivalent after the roasting Pinochet got.

Quote from: RPGPunditThe real reason that executions aren't public in the U.S. is because the U.S. government knows that it would cause a massive upsurge in the number of people who'd go against the death penalty.

I think you over estimate the effects of this, and have no idea what it's really like to live in this country. To me it sounds like you're using some sort of circular logic to reinforce your point.

I think you could televise executions in this country, and the ratings would be off the charts.

QuoteIts really easy to be "pro-death penalty" until you've actually seen someone being killed.

And that has what to do with it? What happens if I see people die and still don't care? Oh wait I have seen people die in all sorts of horrible fashions, and I still don't care.

Capital Punishment isn't supposed to be pretty. It isn't supposed to be nice, or even a desirable alternative. It is supposed to be a punishment for crimes so heinous that society chooses to send a clear concise message.

Now you can argue all day about how fucked up the current system is, and how unfair it is and I'd agree all day. I am still pro-death penalty. You can't make an omelet with out cracking some eggs.

I don't want the death penalty to be surgical, nice and pretty. It should be viscous brutal and swift. Whether that will ever happen or not remains to be seen.

Quote from: AosWe are doomed, though, and all the moral victories in the world won't change that.

It's funny 'cause it's true!

Quote from: Serious PaulI think you could televise executions in this country, and the ratings would be off the charts.

I have to agree with this one. When the news agencies do air gruesome deaths (like some of the recent beheadings from the Middle East) they preface it with "be warned, this next clip is very graphic." That little phrase is like honey to viewers, and ratings skyrocket.

Perhaps if you tell them someone is innocent and then show the hanging you might get a negative result, but for the most part you're not going to change someone's views on the death penalty by telvising the death of a guilty man, especially not one like Saddam Hussein.

Quote from: Divine HammerI've seen executions, and I'm fine with the concept of the death penalty.  I'm also fine with pulling the trigger myself when the situation arises.  Of course, my opinions on the subject aren't driven by a lot of emotion, either.

P.S. I'm amazed that the condemnation of Saddam is so ambivalent after the roasting Pinochet got.

I think pinochet got lambasted more because the scumbag got away with it, so people blasted him harder than they did saddam, who didn't get away with it.

I guess if you're an old dictator and mass murderer you can claim "Ohhhh, poor old me, I'm too old and sick to go to jail for killing all those people." and skate on anything, especially in england. Now, poor old Byron De La Beckwith was a feeble old mad when he was sent to prison for one single murder, and he died in prison, but I guess if you're  a[political figure who kills a lot of people you get away with it as opposed to being an average schmuch who kills one.

People hate those who get away with it more than those who get caught and puniches in some way, then again it's easier to forgive someone who's beewn puniched in some way. Why do you think so many people in america hate OJ?

Quote from: RPGPunditIf you think Executions in the U.S. are private to protect the condemned, you're pretty out of it.  I mean shit, if you want to "protect the condemned", here's a thought: don't fucking execute him!

The real reason that executions aren't public in the U.S. is because the U.S. government knows that it would cause a massive upsurge in the number of people who'd go against the death penalty.

Its really easy to be "pro-death penalty" until you've actually seen someone being killed.

RPGPundit

That's pretty much the point I was making, pundy.

Quote from: Dominus NoxI think pinochet got lambasted more because the scumbag got away with it, so people blasted him harder than they did Saddam, who didn't get away with it.

I think that's over complicated. I think people are fickle, and flighty. Trying to assign some sort of logic to the "masses", or an entire society as a whole is really silly.

QuoteWhy do you think so many people in America hate OJ?

Who?

Quote from: Serious PaulI think that's over complicated. I think people are fickle, and flighty. Trying to assign some sort of logic to the "masses", or an entire society as a whole is really silly.




Who?

I still think that people can "let it go" easier when someone gets punished for what they did, which is why pinochet was hated so much, but then again the britt govet. deserved to be hated ror letting the dick get away with it.

As to OJ, yoiu're kidding, right?

I don't own a television, and pretty much hate anything sold by mainstream media-and make no mistake the media sells the news.

Quote from: RPGPunditIts really easy to be "pro-death penalty" until you've actually seen someone being killed.

RPGPundit

After forcing myself to sit through the Nick Berg video, I disagree. Seeing SOME people killed can certainly make you even more pro-death penalty.