Death Penalty Debate
The execution of former gang leader Stanley "Tookie" Williams in California this week prompted differing views from readers on whether the reformed Crips founder deserved to die.
Fairfal bemoans the seeming injustice shadowing the justice system. "A man nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and a few weeks ago a Viet Nam Veteran executed who probably had beer cans thrown at him on coming home from the war. What's wrong with this picture?"
Anastasia, who on one hand doubts that criminals can be reformed, also doesn't believe an execution will stop or deter gangs, but rather, will incite them. "Killing the leader of the Crips is not going to stop the Crips from existing...cutting the head off of the so-called Gang Monster will not kill it - it'll just grow more heads."
Williams's efforts at reform don't matter to Toolman28, either, who is more concerned for Williams's victims. "...if he had lived his life as wholesome as he has in prison he wouldn't be there. And what about that FAMILY he killed ? Maybe one of them would have been nominated for a peace prize."
By Lindsay Howerton |
December 13, 2005; 10:34 AM ET
| Category:
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Posted by: Lara | December 22, 2005 10:59 AM
I personally think that the death pebalty or capital punishment is good and benefiacial. There is evidence out that goes both ways on the issue of 'does it deter crime' more spefically homicides. Looking at the amount of executions in the last five years in some ways proves deterrence. It also can show that capital punishment is becoming less favored. So, i think that assesing if the penalty of death deters crime, had too many variables to even use that as an argument. Something that makes me feel that the death penalty is right is that it does provide justice to the familes who lost loved ones. Wouldn't you like to know that that killer who kileed, lets say your son son, is dead and not behind bars waiting to be released to kill again? I would like to think that. Also, that killer is dead so even if you weren't the family who lost a relative you can know that you're atleast alittle safer than before, because a evil person has died. So, thats in brief my arguments for the death penalty.
Posted by: Diamonds | January 19, 2006 11:20 PM
I think that the death penalty is very wrong! Even though the person killed some one else, the wosrt that should happen is a life time of prison. They won't be able to get out for ANY reason (which is reasonable). I strongly suggest to every one to oppose the death penalty becasue it is cruelty to people, just as it is to animals.
Posted by: Luna Johnson | January 23, 2006 10:24 AM
While good argumenents can be made for both sides of this issue I feel that some criminal acts require us as a civil society to say "an eye for an eye". The real question is what do you say to the families of victims of a criminal who was released early on parole. Who is at fault?
Posted by: Keith | May 12, 2006 01:15 PM
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My thought? The death penalty is wrong. I believe that studies have shown that it does not deter crime, it does not help the victims of crime to heal, it is expensive and I morally find it repugnant. But, unfortunately it is pretty much the last on my political wish list. Does that sound heartless? I would rather get better funding for crime prevention, family support programs and child head start and educational programs. But, God speed to those who do the anti-death penalty work. You've got a hard road ahead.