Friday, January 14, 2011
Suicide and Capital Punishment
FB friend writes:
Killing is wrong, period and that includes animals. Where we determine life begins is another subject.
Many studies show clearly that executions do not deter crime. I need not waste much time on it here, the stats are the proof.Socioiloogic studies prove again and again, that the least violent, least militaristic societies, with no death penalty and strong gun control have the lowest incidence of violent crime. So to have a death penalty equates with greater violence, because the criminal mind is taught by society that violence is a solution to problems. This actually starts with corporal punishment at a young age both at home and school.
I do not believe that posting such a provocative picture and assertion does anything to reduce violence. It does serve to make angry people feel satisfied in some primal way in the short term.
I have to say, I really wanted to remove you from my friends, when I saw this. But I think it may be more productive to stay with you and try to change your mind with solid scientific evidence to disprove your belief.
I have always felt strongly, that science should trump belief.
William:
Stop and think how popular suicidal terrorism has become. The word Kamakazi means "a protecting wind" and comes from a time when 12th century Japan was protected from an invading fleet of ships when the Kamakazi wind resulted in a storm which sank those ships. There are many people who would PREFER to die, and once they realize their desire then they decide to go out with a bang and wreck vengeance upon whoever/whatever or crash a plain into an IRS building. I know if I were offered life in prison vs lethal injection I would choose the death sentence hands down. I suppose if prison offered unlimited Internet access I might reconsider but of course that would never happen.
