you get shot

Not to side-track the discussion, but did you truly intend death by firing squad with that statement or would you be ok with lethal injection? I don't really have a point, I'm just curious if people make a distinction between methods of (quick) execution (i.e. up to but not including burning, draw-and-quartering, drowning, etc.).

Honestly, I really don't care. As long as they are removed from society.

Also, I'd like to do bad things to parents who kill their own children. Maybe not kill them, per se (with the exception of Susan Smith). But maybe sterilized.

Ever since having Em, I am completely unable to be objective on crimes against children because I see her face on every victim.

I am in the anti-death penalty camp. One of the reasons is this kind of case. All these fine lines that have to be drawn and earased and redrawn.

Just like diabetes , high blood pressure - we are constantly changing what mental retardation means. Or how old someone has to be to be held responsible for their actions.

If you went to a prision and just met a number of criminals, your most likey impression would be 'criminals are stupid' . ( ok, depending on whic h prision it might be 'criminals are scary') ( I have stolen DH's experience here) Most likely - the percentage of people in prison with Atkins level of intelligence is high. Honestly, this suggests to me that it is harder to find your place in this world if you are below average.

If I pretend that execution is an acceptable punishment, then the lines need to be drawn evenly. An equation,of sorts.( I tried to illustrate, but I couldn't) I am guessing under those circumstances , Atkins would be eligble for execution. and there would be more than there are.

Having read up on the Atkins case, yep. Cruel and unusual. And in general, I am NOT pro-death penalty.

Aimee I just can't support executing anyone. No exceptions.

Ok.

I can understand Aimee's position. I just don't trust the justic system to be that good. and only get the bad guys.

I don't trust it all that much, either. There are too many places that have a hard on for just executing in a feeble attempt at getting other would-be criminals to Stop Being Bad People. Well, that doesn't work, we know it.

The death penalty is unfair and disproportionate as currently practiced. I can't support that, but yet I think there are offenses heinous enough that maybe people should die.

I don't support the death penalty, but I have a feeling that I might feel the same way as Aimee if I had a baby. Hell, I nearly feel that way just being an adopted Auntie.