As for capital punishment, here it is less ambiguous for me. I am very much opposed to capital punishment, if nothing else than for human error. One innocent life isn't worth it. Period. Wrong place, wrong time has happened too many times to be funny anymore. Plus, it really ins't a deterrent and it's somewhat of an easy way out. If you are guilty of murder, rape or any other heinous crime then I think you ought to do HARD time. Not death, but rather a pretty miserable existence. That, to me, is more just. This way there is retribution and the chance for the innocent to receive exoneration.Think it's implied in your post, TNG, but where do you stand on these matters more specifically?
Well, the first one has been a moving target as I have gained perspective. I used to be unapologetically pro choice, but as I've grown older I've realized that (for me) it's not so simple. I have no idea where the legal definition of "life" should be drawn, but I know that there is a point at which it makes me uncomfortable and it's certainly not after birth. I think that the morning after pill is an awesome thing, but I think that traditional abortions are something that should be considered a last resort and not a birth control method. -But that's just me and I'm not in any way suggesting that my views should be law. I think it really is a personal choice that a woman has to make. I just would hope she'd chose life. My mom was 17 when I was conceived. My guess is that she had people suggest that she abort the pregnancy. My guess is that she considered it (I would have if I were her). I'm very grateful she didn't. We were poor, it was difficult for her but she did a fine job considering.
Agree w/ everything (including the conflicted opinions) but: Think that punishment is only just if that's the treatment that corrects the views/behaviors of the punished. If not, isn't it just glorified revenge? Not saying that I have a viable alternative to rough prison terms, but it still doesn't feel like justice. There was a piece a couple(?) years ago about Anders Breivik, how he's being held under conditions so humane they almost seem like a joke. Really mad when I read about it the first time, but the more I think about it, the more incredible it feels to me- to meet such seething hatred with such care and consideration. Seems like the ultimate refutation to all that he stood for.If you are guilty of murder, rape or any other heinous crime then I think you ought to do HARD time.
Let me preface this response by saying... damn I'm tired and have to go to bed, but these conversations are damned fun to have and thus I'm up way past my bedtime. But "yes" it is revenge at a point. "Hard time" is certainly subjective but it's the opposite of "soft time" in which inmates watch movies, tv, play games etc. Guess what? You rape and kill people and you no longer get such pleasures in life. Are you chained to a wall and whipped? No. But you're not watching Breaking Bad etc either. It has to hurt some or it's no deterrent at all. It's not a punishment. Your a dad, you get that the minute the punishment doesn't fit the crime, they'll start sneaking food from the fringe all day long... Good night pal.
Hah, I'll respond tomorrow and give you a chance to get some shuteye.
Haven't forgotten about this just been swamped. Reminder more for my own sake...