I have mixed feelings about it I was just wandering ?

I do believe in the death penalty. I also believe in justice and I am willing to fight for those I believe are not guilty and on death row. But, for anyone that is obviously guilty, I believe they should be executed for their crimes if their crimes are heinous enough to warrant a sentence of death.

Rock

I have very mixed feelings.

Although some people commit truly evil crimes, I do not believe in the death sentence, for no one

I DO NOT BELIEVE IN THE DEATH PENALTY, EVER, FOR ANYONE.

I know that everyone is entitled to their own opinion and mine is a definite NO. Yes there are people that commit crimes that never need to see daylight again. Please dont misunderstand me...I am not of the belief that people should be patted on back for their crimes. Taking their lives is wrong also.
When you stop and think about it, it only causes two sets of victims. You have the person who was murdered family who are victims and then when you kill that murder you promote another set of victims...that murders family.
Most of the people on death row that are guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt would rather die than spend the rest of their natural lives incarcerated...so by executing them you are in a sense giving them what they want, whereas if you kept them confined for life that would be punishment.
To kill them punishes their family, their mothers and wives and children, WHO HAVE DONE NOTHING WRONG! ! ! ! ! So think about it. God has not died and left any of us in charge to decide when a person should die or live. That is his decision and he is very much alive and in control.
For all who doesnt know, I do have a loved one on death row, but I felt this way long before he went there(Convicted on circumstantial evidence for a crime he didnt commit). Believe me when I say I know that the families are the ones suffering. I look at a 69 year old mother all the time who is whithering away for her son who could die at any time. (he is currently under stay of execution that could be lifted at any moment and execution carried out in as quickly as one week) This man has been incarcerated for some 20 years.

i don't believe in the death penytly either!

I went ahead and added a POLL for this question. Click on the link below to go there and vote.
http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1435
DO NOT POST REPLIES IN THE POLL THREAD.. It is ONLY for voting. Any comments should be made in this thread only.

Thanks,
David

THE DEATH PENALTY IS ABSOLUTELY NOT THE ANSWER.... I HAVE LIVED MANY DECADES AND WHEN I WAS A CHILD YOU NEVER HEARD OF ANYONE BEING EXECUTED...... THE COMPLETE COUNTRY WAS AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY... THEN, TWENTY YEARS OR SO AGO, WE STARTED IT AGAIN... I HAVE ABSOLUTELY SEEN AN INCREASE IN MURDER AND KILLING... AND NOT ONLY ARE WE SHOOTING AND KILLING EACH OTHER, BUT WE ARE PUTTING PEOPLE IN OUR ELECTRIC CHAIRS, GAS CHAMBERS, AND OTHER MEANS OF DESTROYING A LIFE....

WHAT GOOD HAS IT DONE? ABSOLUTELY NOT A THING.... WE ARE CHRISTIAN... THAT MEANS THAT WE BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST... JESUS GAVE US THE BEATITUDES TO LIVE BY... IT DOES NOT SAY THERE TO TAKE A LIFE FOR A LIFE...IT SAYS "LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF" IT SAYS "TURN THE OTHER CHEEK"

I KNOW THAT ALL OF US HAVE DIFFERENT OPINONS ABOUT THIS ITEMS... I KNOW WHAT MY HEART TELLS ME... I DO NOT WANT TO BE IN FRONT OF GOD ON JUDGEMENT DAY AND KNOW THAT I HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH AN EXECUTION.

THIS TOO, IS ONLY MY OPINION, BUT IT IS BACKED BY BIBLE TEACHINGS.

MY LOVE
DONNA

Ok,now you got me going,LOL.First,let me ask those of you who believe in the death penalty,have you ever taken the time to write to someone on death row?Most of these people know what they did,and are willing to take what ever sentence is given.Most of them show that they are trully sorry for what they have done,and they will have to live with that every day for the rest of their lives. I will never believe killing them is the answer.Take some time to read some writtings from death row,these men and women still have a lot to offer.I believe the answer is in our nations young people.This is where we need to attack our crime problem,and the inmates on death row could be very helpful in doing this,with programs such as Scared Straight.There are too many alternitives.Like Pam said,do not pat them on the back,but I just do not see the justification of killing them.This is just my opinion,and I hope it has inspired some thought.........................Spencer

I don't believe in the death penalty but for slightly different reasons. It's murder state sanctioned or whatever, it is still murder.

Having said that, my biggest problem with the death penalty, however, is that it is so biased against poor people. The vast majority of people on death row had court appointed lawyers without the benefit of the state's unlimited resources. They did not have the forensic experts on their side, but instead quite limited money to spend on experts, if they can afford any at all. Threre's no way I could ever afford a good defense in a capital case - and the thought of having to depend on the same state that's trying to kill me to pay for my defense scares me. That's just my opinion.

I am not definite on either side right now. I absolutely do not like the idea of taking a life BUT what if the person is just pure evil? Where do they go? They couldn't possibly be put in society. Is prison for the rest of their lives the answer? Then you put the prison population at risk. Some people wouldn't care about the prison population, but I do. What if this pure evil person doesn't get the death penalty, goes to prison under maximum security, even the SHU, then kills a guard or another prisoner. What then? The death penalty will always be debated. I could probably think of hundreds of reasons for and against.
JMO
Veronica

I am totally against death penalty! And Pam you sure say it best - its not in our hands to kill.

If crime increse in any contry I do belive this contry are doing something wrong. I look at USA from abroad - and there is so much I do not understand. How can you treat people by asking where, when and how. But never really a why to their crime? The way USA is going by using death penalty again is not a way that will solve crime. As fare as I know the crime is incresing!!

I know there are some difficult cases - and I for one dont have the answer to what to do about them. But let us not kill them so they are out of our sight!! We need them to figure out what to do.

And for the rest of the inmates - well how long time should they do? USA got so long sentence. All you get out of it is detroying yet another persons life. It is revenge or punishment USA is looking for?

If I should ever go to court in USA - I sure hope Im loaded. Cause it seems like money speaks,

Sociaty shall be keept safe - But I dont want blod on my hands so to speak. Im glad Denmark dont have death penalty. Our justice system is not perfect - but I trust it.

just my point of view.. :)
Kristin

Those that are against, are basicely of Christians beliefs. The government isn't and it's the law of the land!

The government operates on dollor and cents. To kill is cheeper then housing. BOTTOM LINE!

The law makers (elected) play on the emotions of the masses to get or keep there job. Those that must (by law) carry out there jobs, has to operate with, almost, a sub-human view point and in that, is why we have such inhumane conduct by employee's in the prison system. It comes, by law, becom's a habit and then, a way of life (a pattern).

To attack the government view of dollor and cents with Christian values is about as effective as controlling crime it's self.

The government will always view things as, "seperation between State and Church"! The Church (christians) must realize that if they want "seperation", they can not expect the government to except there values! BOTTOM LINE!

Basicely, compassion isn't built into government. But control is! That's it's purpose and any State or Country "IS" under control and too control, cost money.

What has been said about death row inmates effecting our youth, might be the answer to attacting the governments dollar and cents attitude? Because, "if" such reasoning isn't excepted as money well spent, they (government) isn't interested in the youth of today. And that can be played on, BIG time, without the compassion of the Church!

Well, I done, did, my raddle'n on

I grew up in church always feared my dad ( discipline) then went into the USAF I followed the rules and always have. I was always for the death penalty. Being a so called redneck from KY it was always easier to just say "Hang em"

However, When I became involved with prison ministry. I went on a spiritual journey about the death penalty. I felt like I needed to know where I stood. The best I can say is I believe in the death penalty Chuck Colson says it best I'm posting his views here. I would say I align pretty much with his beliefs.

Capital Punishment: A Personal Statement



Prison Fellowship

By Charles W. Colson
Chuck Colson's spiritual pilgrimage reaches yet another point of significant change



As we Christians grow and cultivate the disciplines of reading and study, we sometimes alter our views. Sometimes these views even change dramatically. No one knows this better than I, having been dramatically converted to Christ and, subsequently, having my entire worldview turned upside-down. There was a time, for example, when I thought John Locke's understanding of social contract was the ultimate theory of government. I now see that government draws its authority less from the consent of the governed than from a sovereign God. I have come to another of those points in my spiritual pilgrimage in which my views have undergone significant change. I owe it to those who have followed my work and to the constituency of Prison Fellowship to give the reasons. For as long as I can remember, I have opposed capital punishment. As a lawyer I observed how flawed the legal system is, and I concluded, as Justice Learned Hand once remarked, that it was better that a hundred guilty men go free than one innocent man be executed. I was also influenced by very libertarian views of government; I distrusted government too much to give power to take a human life to the judicial system. Then as I became a Christian, I was confronted with the reality of Jesus' payment of the debt of human sin. I discovered that the operation of God's marvelous grace in our lives has profound implications for the way we live. Naturally, as I came to deal increasingly with ethical issues, I found myself seriously questioning whether the death penalty was an effective deterrent. My views were very much influenced by Deuteronomy 17 and the need for two eye-witnesses. I questioned whether the circumstantial evidence on which most are sentenced today in fact measures up to this standard of proof. I still have grave reservations about the way in which capital punishment is administered in the U.S., and I still do question whether it is a deterrent. (In fact, I remain convinced it is not a general deterrent.) But I must say that my views have changed and that I now favor capital punishment, at least in principle, but only in extreme cases when no other punishment can satisfy the demands of justice. The reason for this is quite simple. Justice in God's eyes requires that the response to an offense - whether against God or against humanity - be proportionate. The lex talionis, the "law of the talion," served as a restraint, a limitation, that punishment would be no greater than the crime. Yet, implied therein is a standard that the punishment should be at least as great as the crime. One frequently finds among Christians the belief that Jesus' so-called "love-ethic" sets aside the "law of of the talion." To the contrary, Jesus affirms the divine basis of Old Testament ethics. Nowhere does Jesus set aside the requirements of civil law. Furthermore, it leads to a perversion of legal justice to confuse the sphere of private relations with that of civil law. While the thief on the cross found pardon in the sight of God ("Today you will be with me in Paradise"), that pardon did not extend to eliminating the consequences of his crime ("We are being justly punished, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds").[1] What about mercy? someone is inclined to ask. My response is simple. There can be no mercy where justice is not satisfied. Justice entails receiving what we in fact deserve; we did in fact know better. Mercy is not receiving what we in truth deserve. To be punished, however severely, because we indeed deserve it, as C.S. Lewis observed, is to be treated with dignity as human beings created in the image of God. Conversely, to abandon the criteria of righteous and just punishment, as Lewis also pointed out, is to abandon all criteria for punishment.[2] Indeed, I am coming to see that mercy extended to offenders whose guilt is certain yet simply ignored creates a moral travesty which, over time, helps pave the way for collapse of the entire social order.[3] This is essentially the argument of Romans 13. Romans 12 concludes with an apostolic proscription of personal retribution, yet St. Paul immediately follows this with a divinely instituted prescription for punishing moral evil. It is for eminently social reasons that "the authorities" are to wield the sword, the ius gladii: due to human depravity and the need for moral-social order the civil magistrate punishes criminal behavior. The implication of Romans 13 is that by not punishing moral evil the authorities are not performing their God-appointed responsibility in society. Paul's teaching in Romans 13 squares with his personal experience. Testifying before Festus, the Apostle certifies: "If...I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die."[4] Perhaps the emotional event that pushed me over the (philosophical) edge was the John Wayne Gacy case some years ago. I visited him on death row. During our hour-long conversation he was totally unrepentant; in fact, he was arrogant. He insisted that he was a Christian, that he believed in Christ, yet he showed not a hint of remorse. The testimony in the trial, of course, was overwhelming. I don't think anybody could possibly believe that he did not commit those crimes, and the crimes were unspeakably barbaric. What I realized in the days prior to Gacy's execution was that there was simply no other appropriate response than execution if justice was to be served. There are some cases like this - the Oklahoma bombing a case in point - when no other response is appropriate, no other punishment sufficient for the deliberate savagery of the crime. The issue in my mind boils down ultimately to just deserts. Indeed, just punishment is a thread running throughout the whole of biblical revelation. Moreover, there is divinely instituted tension that exists between mercy and justice - a tension that, ethically speaking, may not be eradicated. Mercy without justice makes a mockery of the sacrifice of the Lamb of God. It ignores the fundamental truth of biblical anthropology: the soul that sins must die; sin incurs a debt that must be paid. Punitive dealings provide a necessary atonement and restore the moral balance that has been disturbed by sin. Purification, one of the most central of biblical themes, reveals to us both the temporal and eternal perspectives on mankind. Purification comes by way of suffering; it prepares the individual to meet His Maker. God's redemptive response to the sin dilemma did not - and does not - eradicate the need to bear the consequences of our actions. Which leads me to a second observation. The death penalty ultimately confronts us with the issue of moral accountability in the present life. Contemporary society seems totally unwilling to assign moral responsibility to anyone. Everything imaginable is due to a dysfunctional family or to having had our knuckles rapped while we were in grade-school. Ours is a day in which "abuse excuses" have proliferated beyond our wildest dreams. We really have reached a point where the Menendez brothers plead for mercy - and get it! - because they are orphans, after acknowledging that they made themselves orphans by killing their parents. Non-Christians and Christians alike are not absolved from the consequences of their behavior. Whether or not faith is professed, penalties for everything from speeding to strangulation apply to all. In American society today, people are literally getting away with murder, and the moral stupor that has descended over our culture reflects a decay, an utter erosion, of time-tested moral norms - norms that have guarded generation after generation. Can anyone really wonder why evidence of a moral dry-rot is everywhere? I come to this view with something of a heavy heart, as some of the most blessed brothers I've known in my Christian walk were on death row. I think of Richard Moore in particular and, of course, Rusty Woomer, about whom I've written in The Body. I think of Bob Williams in Nebraska and Johnny Cockrum in Texas. I have a heavy heart as well because I do not believe the system administers criminal justice fairly. It is merely symbolic justice to execute twenty-five people a year when 2,000 are sentenced. (Obviously, the system needs to be thoroughly revamped. Nevertheless, revamping the system, in order that punishment be both swift and proportionate, would accord with biblical guidelines and demands the Christian's engagement.) But in spite of the flaws of the system, I have come to believe that God in fact requires capital justice, at least in the case of premeditated murder where there is no doubt of the offender's guilt. This is, after all, the one crime in the Bible for which no restitution was possible.[5] Lest we believe the Old Testament was characterized by indiscriminate capital justice, Old Testament law painstakingly distinguished between premeditated murder and involuntary manslaughter; hence, the function of the cities of refuge. Israel's elders, we can be assured, would have adjudicated well at the gate. In the case of involuntary manslaughter, deliverance out of the hand of the avenger occurred. In the case of murder, the convicted criminal was put to death. Personally, I still doubt that the death penalty is a general deterrent - and strong evidence exists that it is not likely to be a deterrent when it is so seldom invoked. But I have a hard time escaping the attitude of the biblical writers, that judgment - both temporal and eschatological - is a certain reality for those who disobey or reject God's authority. We'll never know how many potential murderers are deterred by the threat of a death penalty, just as we will never know how many lives may be saved by it. But at the bare minimum, it may deter a convict sentenced to life from killing a prison guard or another convict. (In such a case no other punishment is appropriate because all lesser punishments have been exhausted.) And it will certainly prevent a convicted murderer from murdering again. In this regard, I find wisdom in the words of John Stuart Mill:
As for what is called the failure of death punishment, who is able to judge of that? We partly know who those are whom it has not deterred; but who is there who knows whom it has deterred, or how many human beings it has saved who would have lived to be murderers if that awful association had not been thrown round the idea of murder from their earliest infancy?[6]
So in spite of my misgivings, I've come to see capital punishment as an essential element of justice. On the whole, the full range of biblical data weighs in its favor. Society should not execute capital offenders merely for the sake of revenge, rather to balance the scales of moral justice which have been disturbed. The death penalty is warranted and should be implemented only in those cases where evidence is certain, in accordance with the biblical standard and where no other punishment can satisfy the demands of justice. In the public debate over the death penalty, we are dealing with values of the highest order: respect for the sacredness of human life and its protection, the preservation of order in society, and the attainment of justice through law. The function of biblical sanctions against a heinous crime such as murder is to discourage the wanton destruction of innocent life. Undergirding the biblical sanctions against murder[7] is the utter sacred character of human life. The shedding of blood in ancient Israel polluted the land - a pollution for which there was no substitute - and thus required the death penalty. This is the significance of the sanctions in Genesis 9 against those who would shed the blood of another. It is because humans are created in the image of God that capital punishment for premeditated murder was to be a perpetual obligation. To kill a person was tantamount to killing God in effigy.[8] The Noahic covenant recorded in Genesis 9 antedates Israel and the Mosaic code; it transcends Old Testament law per se and mirrors ethical legislation that is binding for all cultures and eras. The sanctity of human life is rooted in the universal creation ethic and thus retains its force in society. Any culture that fails to distinguish between the criminal and the punitive act, in my opinion, is a culture that cannot survive. In this way, then, my own ethical thinking has evolved. I'm well aware that sincere Christians stand on both sides of this issue. One's views on the death penalty are by no means a test of fellowship. While we take no pleasure in defining the contours of this difficult ethical issue, the Christian community nevertheless is called upon to articulate standards of biblical justice, even when this may be unpopular. Capital justice, I have come to believe, is part of that non-negotiable standard. A moral obligation requires civil government to punish crime, and consequently, to enforce capital punishment, albeit under highly restricted conditions. Fallible humans will continue to work for justice. But fallible as the system might be, part of the Christian's task is to remind surrounding culture that actions indeed have consequences - in this life and the life to come. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [1]Luke 23:39-43. (back) [2]"The Humanitarian Theory of Punishment," God in the Dock (Eerdmans, 1970), pp. 287-94. (back) [3]Carl Henry states the matter with characteristic clarity: "Where the state considers the life of a deliberate murderer to have greater value than the life of an innocent victim, it demeans the imago Dei in mankind and weakens the supports of social justice" (Carl F.H. Henry, "Perspectives on Capital Punishment," in Twilight of a Great Civilization [Westchester: Crossway, 1988] 71). (back) [4]Acts 25:11. (back) [5]Num. 35:31,33. (back) [6]J.S. Mill, Hansard's Parliamentary Debate (3rd Series; London, April 21, 1868). (back) [7]The prohibition against murder applied to premeditated murder, self-murder, accomplices to murder, and to those who possessed legal authority to punish murderers. (back) [8]W.C. Kaiser, Jr., Toward Old Testament Ethics (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1983) 91. (back)

I'm not a christian, was raised as a catholic, but am no catholic neither.

I agree with Spencer, people who have outspoken thoughts about the death penalty, should first do some efforts to get in contact and learn from the people who are dealing with it, a death row prisoner or their family. it might change their point of view...and that would be good

SPENCE IS RIGHT AGAIN...

THE DEATH PENALTY WILL NEVER, NOR HAS IT EVER BEEN THE ANSWER TO CRIME... WE MUST BEGIN NOW, TEACHING OUR CHILDREN TO HAVE FAITH IN A FUTURE THAT THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR.... WE MUST SHOW THEM WHAT TRUE LOVE REALLY IS AND THAT NEVER WILL THE FUTURE BE SO BLACK THAT THEY CANNOT HAVE ONE..... THESE KIDS ARE EVERYTHING WE HAVE..... LET'S HELP THEM BECOME BETTER LEADERS THAN WE HAVE NOW.... HELP THEM SEE THE TRUTH ABOUT WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE

MY BEST
DONNA

you are so right...if we can change the point of views of a generation, it will help a hooooooooole lot!

The death penalty is such a debated topic. let me ask you this if your loved one was in the wrong place at the right time and did something that resulted in a death sentance would you want them killed. I believe that a person has to deal with what they have done there whole lives. It is far more difficult to deal with your actions then to be released from them. Murder is murder weither it be by gun, knife, rope, gas, fire, lethal injection or any other means. It is wrong that I do believe.

GOD is the only one I know of who should decide who lives and who dies.

I ask you this if you believe in the death penalty then go live in the condemed man or woman life of just 1 day. Live with the guilt, the fear, the hate, the self inflicted torture, and all that comes with it and see if you would prefer a life sentance or a death sentance. It is harder to live with your crimes then it is to be murdered for them. I am PRO LIFE even if you are an unborn infant or a grown adult or any where inbetween. I value life and hate that there is even a need for the death penalty but there is and now we need to teach our children and youth differently so that the cycle can stop. Killing the condemed does not stop the new crimes from happening but people can. Mentor, or just get involved with a child and you can make a difference. Who knows the impact you made on there life could have saved there life and someone elses before anyone even knew it was in jeporody.

i am really shocked, that we have people here who believe in the death penalty. i thought this is for prisoners rights - not for killing them ?

Veronica, let me start by saying this. No one that is evil and has committed a crime of murder should ever be allowed to reenter society. This person should be put in a solitary confinement cell for the rest of their natural lives. This is addressed to BIG B Sweetie, if you believe in the Death Penalty then you should be pushing for all executioners to be killed immediately! ! ! ! ! ! Why you might ask, well..... if a person is given a death sentence for committing homicide then all should be and it is written in black and white on any death certificate of an executed individual that cause of death IS HOMICIDE>

You can not teach a child not to steal by stealing in their presence. YOU CAN NOT TEACH ANYONE NOT TO KILL BY KILLING

EXECUTE JUSTICE NOT PEOPLE

WELL SPOKEN PAM AND I TOTALLY AGREE..

Several years ago. 2 white men chained a black man to a truck and drug him to death. Let's let those men talk with young people. NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IMHO these men should have rceived the death penalty.
before you get mad at me read below. I stated earlier that if I had to align with anyone's opinion it woulkd be Chuck Colson he wrote what is below.




"I questioned whether the circumstantial evidence on which most are sentenced today in fact measures up to this standard of proof. I still have grave reservations about the way in which capital punishment is administered in the U.S., and I still do question whether it is a deterrent. (In fact, I remain convinced it is not a general deterrent.) But I must say that my views have changed and that I now favor capital punishment, at least in principle, but only in extreme cases when no other punishment can satisfy the demands of justice.


So in spite of my misgivings, I've come to see capital punishment as an essential element of justice. On the whole, the full range of biblical data weighs in its favor. Society should not execute capital offenders merely for the sake of revenge, rather to balance the scales of moral justice which have been disturbed. The death penalty is warranted and should be implemented only in those cases where evidence is certain, in accordance with the biblical standard and where no other punishment can satisfy the demands of justice."



Steve

I understand your opinion but cannot agree with it. what the government does, sounds like a serial killer practise to me. first you take someone away from his or her family, you lock them up in a small room, with no contact and almost no rights nor privileges. these people are waiting for years until somebody who's a complete stranger to them that he or she has to die and on which date....the only difference with a serial killer is that these people might have committed a crime. if the government is so keen on justice they will not commit the same crimes as the persons they find guilty.

>>>biblical standard <<<

Where it say, not 7 times but 70 times 7 (forgiveness) fit into justifying the execution by Biblical standards is my question?

By biblical standards, we are living under grace, not law. What a person wants to believe is there business, but to base it on something that's not with the basic truth, brings there belief system in question, but not there right too believe it.

"...only in extreme cases when no other punishment can satisfy the demands of justice."

Wasn't it only a couple of hundred years ago that here in the United States capital punishment "satisfied the demands of justice" when people were accused of witchcraft? People were hanged, drowned, and murdered and it was justified by the individuals carrying out the punishment. It was based on Biblical principle and was deemed a fit punishment to fit the crime. Trials were held and people were found guilty based on certain evidence. It sounds absurd to us today, so imagine how absurd killing people in state sanctioned murder will sound to future generations.

Thanks Shortie, I do appreciate someone with a good opinion. :) I will reply to others tonight . Gotta run for now.


REMEMBER execute justice NOT PEOPLE

While I am thinking about it we have an organization here in AL that could use some good people and their opinions. You do not have to live in Al we have members over seas. They have a website set up also. http://phadp.org/

Thanks you all for your support.

Big B
The thing is HOW many people that have been convicted with totally circumstantial evidence are really innocent. Once you execute them you cant go back at a later date and say "Oh my we made a mistake" It is tooooooo late then. So better to be safe than kill innocent people I think.

t6ahnk you pam i was just being honest and really speaking about how I feel from my heart. I truly value life and do not want more murder to take place. It is sad..

i just want to go on the record as one who does not support the death penalty.

well THANK YOU vnvdvc

We appreciate that or at least I do. :)

I do not believe in the death penalty. Why should our lawmakers tell us it is wrong to kill but then kill those who do kill. It helps no one and only spreads the hurt.

I have two loved ones on the row. Texas has the law of parties. Accomplice laws. I will speak on this to say they did not have to push for the DP in their case. I was prepared for 40 years. Could have accepted that. But the prosecutor was like an obssessed devil. He was vicious. Anyway the prosecutors got what they wanted. Society will not benefit whatsoever from their death. They did not kill anyone. So they are condenmed for the action of others. That is total insanity. I have been heartbroken since this nightmare began for us. I work everyday in one way or another to get people to listen to me. The death penalty is misplaced revenge. It does create a whole new set of victims. And life for our loved ones as well as us is totally different now.

I believe in death penalty but in a case to case matter. There was this case in Michigan a couple of years ago where the man killed his girlfriend and her two kids and his girlfriend sister two kids. Total people he killed 5 after he killed them he went out to dinner with another woman. Now why should he get a chance to live when those babies can't all which were under the age of 5 I might add. Let see how you would feel if you had someone under the age of 5 get killed in your family would you still think the same way about the death penalty?

That is an unfair question for someone who has two on the row. Who did not kill anyone. But no one cares or even listens to us. Let me ask you something how would you like your man sent to DR for a killing that an accomplice did? This is not my imagination or wishful thinking or false innocence. They did not do it and it all came out in the trial. Well as for your question I do not like kids being killed. In Texas lots of kids get killed especially by their parents. I don't have any young kids. Mine are grown. But no I would not want the DP for that situation if they were my kids. At a recent anti DP event I attended a group called Pax Christi passed out some little cards. They can be signed and witnessed by the person listed on the card. It says in the event I would be murdered I do not want anyone given the DP for that crime. I signed it, had two witnesses sign it. I carry it in my wallet. I am a Catholic. I do not believe in killing in my name.

I dont normally get involved in these kids of topics, but for some reason I couldn't stay out of this. Anyways, I used to think that if someone killed my child then they not only deserved to die, but I wouldn't be happy until they did. Within the last 6 months or so I have changed my mind. I cant say how I would really feel if it ever came down to it, but as of now I would prefer Life in Prison without parole over death. There are a couple reasons why.

1) There are so many innocent men on DR and I would feel so bad if someone who had claimed to be innocent was killed then later the real killer was discovered. I couldn't just look at the wrong mans death as a "oops we made a mistake".

2) If someone killed my child then I think that killing them is giving them the easy way out. I would rather them suffer and think about what brought them to DR every day of their life.

Now keep in mind that I'm not speaking this torture of everyone on DR because I dont believe that some that are there deserve to be there because A) they really are innocent or B) the punishment doen't fit the crime.

If someone killed my children or family, no, I would not want them to get the DP. I DO NOT BELIEVE IN IT! I would pray that they found Jesus and that I had the courage to forgive them myself.

I vacillate on the Death Penalty issue. Do I think Timothy McVeigh should have been executed? Oh hell yeah, without a doubt! And I think he should have gotten it like he gave it. And I would have injected him myself had anyone asked me. But...having written that...the saying that ten guilty men should go free before one innocent one is punished holds true for me, also. So basically I don't have a yes/no answer. But I lean toward supporting it [and all of this is just my opinion] but the more time I spend here on PTO and learn the stories behind each case, I swing back toward not supporting it...on that note...

I also use to vacillate on the whole DP topic, there are some crimes that are so hideous and unforgiving, I’ve actually thought giving the perpetrator an injection, was too lenient. For example John Wayne Gacy, here was a case of a man that choose to murder dozens of young men, and then lived knowing that the bodies of these young men, laid beneath him when he slept at night. John Gacy didn’t only torture, mutilate and perform deviate sexual crimes against these young men, he gained their confidence by offering them ways to earn money. He use the ruse of needing sewer tiles dug in his crawl space, many of his victims dug their own graves. Do I feel bad that the state of Illinois chose to kill Gacy, absolutely not, I remember the night he was executed and thinking if only his victims died in such a humane fashion.

Do I still feel the same way… No!

Now in saying that I also am aware of many individual cases where innocent men spent years on the row, only to be vindicated in some cases over twenty years later. It has to make people pause and question how many more innocent men & women are rotting away in prison that don’t belong there at all. For that reason, I don’t support the death penalty. Then there’s the moral question “if anyone other than God has the right to take a life”. I don’t believe God will view the breaking of one of his ten basic laws that he set forth for us to govern our lives any differently if it’s an individual or a state sanctioned murder. The taking of another person life is murder!!

I also have had penpals on DR, and I have to honestly say these don’t appear to be men I’d need to fear. But I also met them after the fact, after years of them having time to reflect on the life styles and choices that brought them to the row in the first place. Would I have felt the same way prior to this change in their demeanor? Probably not!!

What also in not fair is how some people receive lesser sentences for virtually the same crime, it evident that one’s ability to hire proper counsel also dictates the outcome of a trial. We’ve lived through countless saga’s where the rich & powerful basically can do whatever they want and receive little more than a slap on the hand. Where as the average JOE will pay with his life.

I also think for anyone to have committed the types of crimes, such as the one Gacy committed, that they must be very sick individuals. Somehow the powers that be have been able to twist one’s ability to maintain a normal façade to mean the person is not insane. But think about how demented a persons mind must be to even have thoughts, not less be capable of carrying out those thoughts. I’m not saying they shouldn’t be held accountable, or that they don’t need to be removed from society, but taking their lives isn’t the answer.

You said it all Eboniizs, I wholeheartedly agree with what you said. It is sooo wrong to take a life in ANY circumstances.

I don't believe in DP either...but you all knew that already. I agree also with Eboniitz. Well said.

Susan

Totally against - i write to death row prisioners and i quote from a letter i received.

"I understand that i made a horrible mistake and that has caused so much pain. That was a crime i committed when i was 17 and i am not that child anymore. I have grown up into a responsible caring adult who abhors what i did. Should i pay the ultimate price for what i did as a stupid child. To be honest with you, i dont believe i should. I do believe that i have forfeited many rights because of what i did, but i do not think i should forfeit my life. It is very easy for someone who is not directly involved in this to point fingers at me with hate and condemnation, desiring my execution, but take that same person and put them in my shoes, WHAT CHANGES THEN?....."

How can one possibly agree with the death penalty. People can change.

I do not believe in the death penalty. If it is supposed to be a deterent to future criminals, then it has definately failed. It is not effective as a system of punishment in that it is not FAIR, SWIFT and CERTAIN. With out these elements it is not effective. I belive that God's final judgement and punishment would be worse than anything man could do.

I have children and struggle everyday as a Christian with, vengenance is mine sayeth the Lord. If somone hurt my children, I can't honestly say what I would do to them but I sure as h!@l wouldn't want them locked away from me where I couldn't get to them. I know that sentiment is not right, but I am only human and pray daily that my heart will be changed.

WOW!! I truly don't ususally get involved with these types of debates. There are SO many good points to either side of this issue. It's like the whole abortion debate...good points either way you look at it!! Do I believe in the death penalty? In some cases ABSOLUTELY!! When it involves inncocent children!! PERIOD!! That I will NEVER change my mind on. Why should my tax dollars pay to warehouse some malicious evil person who has NO heart and kills children? Take the chance of him/her getting parole someday (and they do) or escaping (happens all the time) just so they can get out and do it all over again to another child? Can't see the reasons for NOT killing them!! Now that said, I am one of those that disagree with MOST cases that are DR!! People that actually didn't commit the murder, but was there or helped hide the evidence. NO WAY!! And truly I hate the way prosecuter's go about getting the DP!! It's malicious and evil!! And TOO many of our innocent loved ones are on DR!! And too many of our loved ones truly don't deserve the DP!! Now that said, because it's the way it is right now, I think all states should just do away with it!! I say that because of the innocent!! I'm tired of innocent people being punished. And I agree with what someone else said 1 innocent dieing is 1 too many!! So maybe that's all wishy washy. I don't know!! It's just my opinion!

Stacy

Never have. Never will.

OK!! Now, I've had a few "all nighters" with tha girls in here rallying for tha fellas on tha row. I DO NOT BELIEVE IN TAKING A LIFE 4 A LIFE!

HOWEVER....

When it comes to a child my opinion duz a 360... my 10 yr old was raped 2 yrs ago, by a 260 pd.~ 6'1" 14 yr old. Ripped both vaginally and rectally. This was a HUGE kid, tha thought of an adult doing this............ I dunno?!?

I absolutely do not believe in the death penalty.Do not get me wrong people that kill should be punished but,just thnk about it.A man/woman kills someone then they get punished by death.Now are you not commiting the same crime they committed.You are playing God and taking someones life in your hands just like they did.Eye for an eye tooth for a tooth i guess,But i truly think they should be sentenced life w/out parole killing them does not solve the problem. But that is just my opinon.

totally against it

I support the death penalty.

I joined Minnesotans against the Death Penalty last month. It is my opinion that people start out with the idea of the death penalty for the most heinous of crimes. But then, it is used for the mentally handicapped, the mentally ill, the spooked and high teenager surprised during a robbery who shoots someone, and of course if it is a law enforcement person. but even for the death penalty a person can be convicted on the testimony of others trying to save their own hide, false testimony, etc. The idea that a person can't have "closure" for a crime unless the killer is killed makes me furious.

CET, good for you. You have come to an intelligent rational decision. A civilized way of looking at things. Good for you. The movement to eventually do away with the DP needs people like you. I understand maybe in the case of serial murders, mass murders some may still reserve the DP. There are too many who are innocent. And I am totally against anyone given the DP for being an accomplice. In other words someone who did not engage in any type of murder. That is not an eye for an eye. Many who want to DP always use that as a rationale. Thanks. No more law of parties in Texas!

CET, good for you. You have come to an intelligent rational decision. A civilized way of looking at things. Good for you. The movement to eventually do away with the DP needs people like you. I understand maybe in the case of serial murders, mass murders some may still reserve the DP. There are too many who are innocent. And I am totally against anyone given the DP for being an accomplice. In other words someone who did not engage in any type of murder. That is not an eye for an eye. Many who want the DP always use that as a rationale. Thanks. No more law of parties in Texas!

My niece could have received the Death Penalty for the crime that she was wrongfully convicted of being an accomplice too. She was 16 at the time.

As I have said in other posts concerning Holly that I KNOW she is INNOCENT, because of the circumstances of the crime and of the fact, that she was sitting right next to me in my car when the murder happened.

However, because she asked for a ride to meet me from the people who commited the murder, the state says she had to know that the murder was going to happen. Holly DOES NOT lie. When I was raising her I was amazed that even when it got her in trouble, she would always tell "Aunt Patti" the truth no matter the consequenses to her.

She told me and the court that she WAS NOT TOLD OF OR OVERHEARD DISCUSSION OF, AND DID NOT HAVE FOREKNOWLEDGE OF the plans to murder while she was in that car or at anytime.

She is doing life plus fifty years because the Judge did not believe that she did not hear, or know of this murder that her school mates eventually committed.

So, as to the Death Penalty, I do not believe in the Death Penalty for any reason, all it does, is create another set of victims to the original crime and if the individual executed is innocent, well we know how much the state cares.

I will continue to work to have my niece exonerated!

I will continue to work to have American prosecutors, judges, and politicians brought under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court in The Hague to be tried for Crimes against Humanity for each and every murder (i.e., execution) committed by the various states and Federal Government of this country. I do not believe that the death penalty will be ended from within this country. It will take international pressure, economic sanctions, and trials in the International Criminal Court as I mentioned above to stop the death penalty.

I know that the United States does not recognize the International Criminal Court. An individual who does not recognize the courts of this country would be hunted down and brought to the supposed justice of those courts regardless as to whether they recognized the court's authority or not.

The International Criminal Court should take the same attitude towards the leaders of any nation accused of criminal acts, whether their government recognizes the International Court's authority or not.

Patti

I have mixed feelings about it I was just wandering ?
No. I´m totally against the deathpenalty, I think it´s wrong to murder in the name of the law.

absolutely AGAINST the death penalty!!!

CET that is the point, it does not bring closure. I totally agree. DP only creates a whole new set of victims

Totally against it.

I am totally against the death penatly. It causes more pain upon pain, I understand the victims families have feelings and rights, but so does the person that the states are murdering families. I truly believe in justice, but there is other forms of justice than to put a person to death. It is no different from them murdering a victim to begin with.

If you could meet and talk to families and friends of people on death row, and even take time out to get to know someone on death row, I truly believe that EVERY PERSON would have mixed feeling, to total negativity on the death penaltly. We all make mistakes, I mean, we drive recklessly everyday, and I be no one here can say AT LEAST once in there lifes they havent come close to a horrendous accident. I know and relize that this doesnt compare to the death penalty but the thing is, we ALL make mistakes, and we are all capable of forgiveness and rehabilition.
I ask this? What about the jailhouse snitches, and people getting sentencing reduced that have sometimes commited worst crimes than the people that are being sent to death, just to go home. I could sit here all night and write and write about incidents to do with this.
What about the innocent people? DNA has proven that innocent people have been on death row, some even executed or died of natural causes while being on death row. The death row in barbaric, its cruel and unusual punishment, and it needs to stop TODAY.

Once again I am going to get on my soapbox. Because I am tired of this!@!!!! Some men are on death row solely as accomplices. DID NOT COMMIT A MURDER!!! There are men who could be cleared by DNA evidence. An accomplice in Texas does not even have to be at the "scene" of the "crime" yet you NEVER hear about folks clamoring for the reduction of sentences for those sent to death row for NOT COMMITTING MURDER. I know a lot about this subject. Unfortuantely more than I even want to know. There are innocence projects for DNA exoneration. And that is good. But that will not help others sentenced under accomplice laws. Charge these folks under the lesser included offenses. Quit sending NON MURDERERS to death row. Especially in Texas. Death Penalty capital of the world.

I don't believe dangerous people should be paroled out of prison to re-commit crimes such as murder, but it's hard for me to think of an instance where state-sanctioned killing of a human being is justified. Every human being is capable of change; we all know stories of people who've redeemed themselves while they've been inside, to say nothing of wrongful convictions. And I personally know of cases where the death of the murderer brought no peace to the victim's family members...frankly, when your loved one has been murdered, there is no closure in any case. We are the supposed leader and superpower of the free world, and are the only country with that status who sanctions the DP. This is not a topic I will "debate" at a social gathering or anything, but here among PTO members, I see enough respect for us to be able to honestly state our opinions. Bless you all.

Very interesting thread... Before I got involved with inmates on a personal level and before I started reading alot about people sentenced to death and their stories of how they ended up there I sure as heck believed in the death penalty - I thought an eye for an eye, thought that people who received the death penalty had committed a horrible heinous vicious murder.. then I started reading more about it and some of the sad cases and people wrongfully convicted... and my thoughts on this matter changed.. I will say that I don't believe in it anymore except for a very small percentage of people incarcerated - Robert Yates, the Ted Bundy's, the John Wayne Gacy's and Charles Campbell's, etc.

lisaandmichael, Just goes to show you that education is important for everyone. Most of us have experienced having an opinion about something even though we were quite ignorant of the topic, and then if we were fortunate enough (or smart enough) to become better informed, we've often changed our opinions. That's why it's so important to really listen to people without pre-judging them. This website has opened my eyes to so much, and I'm truly grateful for the people who've been honest and forthcoming in their stories. I really respect the folks here at PTO.

I am so glad that so many of you have really well reasoned opinions on the death penalty. I am absolutely against the death penalty and I don't believe that anyone is pure evil. The government should not have the right to kill people. I cannot begin to understand how the current system came about, but I am so glad that so many of you are humanitarian and open minded enough to realize taking a life for a life just doesn't make any sense.

I DO beleive in the death penalty. However I have to say that I in no way feel like a person who was only an accomplance and did not pull the trigger or give that fatal blow deserves the same sentance as the actual killer. I do understand that their are men/women on death row that are innocent(as we have seen in recent cases overturned), however if you go back and research MOST of these peoples past they were in no way saints. From what I have read very few of the people on death row were "in the wrong place at the wrong time". In this world there has to be an ultimate price for unspeakable crimes. This is only my opinion and I in no way mean any disrespect to those that have loved ones on the row or their opinions.

I have a loved one on DR and I have mixed feelings about the death penalty...I want to see justice served, killing innocent people just coz they did not have proper legal representation (read:$$) is not right .
On the contrary, I read stories about violent murderers...stories that make you go "hmmmmm..." and if its true and they fess up and not blame it on their mama or poor upbringing or drugs... I know I will not shed a tear nor will I stop the Governor but turn my back, let God deal with it, who am I to judge anyway?

while it has been proven that the death penalty is not an effective crime deturant, i agree with it in certain circumstances. Those circumstances being: If a person commits a heinous, violent crime, and there is not a shadow of a doubt that this person was the one who actully committed the crime. I mean, if there is a 99.999....% chance that the person did it, keep them in jail for the rest of their lives, but dont concider the death penalty until that number reaches 100%. I also think that in order to be concidered for the death penalty, the inmate must show that he or she will commit a violent act again if given the chance. I mean, a woman goes nuts and murders her abusive husband in his sleep....shes already gotten rid of who she wants to, shes not out for random people. While i generaly dont believe that the whole eye for an eye concept is right, i do think that, thinking purely economicly, not at all emotionaly, it is better to put someone who meets the criteria to death, then it is to continue to house a murderous felon who will never again be a productive member of society. I do see both sides of the issue very clearly however, which is why for the most part I do not believe in the death penalty, as inmates sitting on death row who meet my criteria are few and far between.

I do believe in the death penalty. I know that is unpopular, but when it comes to children being killed, I'm sorry but I think death is a just punishment. I have read a lot about innocent people being condemned to death and that is extremely disturbing. But when the evidence is overwhelming and concrete then I have to agree with it.

CHoffer, what difference does a person's past make? If they are innocent of murder then that's just what they are INNOCENT. No matter what they did in the past nobody deserves to be facing death for a crime they didn't commit. And I'm speaking from experience here as the man I love is one of the people you desciribe. He was actually in prison when the crime took place and got set up for it. How do you think it's been for him spending 19 years on Death Row for a murder he didn't do? Yes, we are both fully aware that if he hadn't been in prison in the first place he woudn't be where he is now but that doesn't change the fact that he's INNOCENT. The fact that he wasn't 'a saint' should have no bearing on the matter, none at all.

Rose

What I meant by that comment is that I have read on occassion that either they were "set up", or "in the wrong place.....", and if these two things had not happen then they would be a piller of the community. Most of and I say most not all of the guys on DR were in no way pillers and most had commited prior crimes. Maybe petty crimes but they were far from walking the straight line. I in no way meant to say that I believe that those who do not do the crime deserve to be put to death. And you said it yourself if your loved one had not been in jail or had a record already chances are he would have never been targeted for this other crime, so in deed the past does matter. And no he does not deserve to die for a crime he did not commit.

And I say again that this is just my opinion and as warped as it may seem it is just that, an opinion. No disrespect meant

I was pro-death until I became educated...

God bless you Kristin.Nice to hear from abroad how our justice system is percieved.Now if we could just convince the system here.I do not ever,emphatically,positively,forever more,for any reason or crime,back the death penalty.It is archaic,wrong,sinful,barbaric and too fraught to too many errors.As I stated in another post God exiled Cain when he killed Able and sent word that no human was to touch him.So He made the rule and set the example and it is not up to us to change it.Death penalty is blood thirsty and vengeful and brings us to the level of the murderer.Let's not go there.

Hi J, I feel u on that point but then again why did God destroy wipe out Sodom and Gomorrah..?

Good question lsr-but He is who He is and does as He does.But He set down the rules for us,and we are but who we are.

I am not sure.

As someone said on here that I have great respect for
The bible says a eye for and eye
But it also says turn the other cheek

I am totally against the death penalty, but I have gone on about it in a previous post on this topic. There is always a better solution that taking another life.

I absolutely hate the death penalty -- it's bad enuf that we already have innocent people locked up. With the death penalty in force -- too many innocent people have been killed, and innocent people would continue to get killed. I used to be for it as regards blatant guilty people for heinous crimes, but because the law is too funny, too many innocent people would still get killed so I hate it.

NO MATTER WHO OR WHY, KILLING IS ALWAYS WRONG!
If we practic eye for and eye, the world will go blind!!!
/Emma

And that is why God changed "eye for an eye" in the new testament. Amen.

as one that has been on both sides of the fence,had a cousin raped,tortured then murdered,and have two friends convicted of second degree murder.even before they where convictedi saw first hand the pain it caused for the families of those on dr.their families did not commit the crime and i can say,when my cousins murder was put to death it did nothing to heal my family,only caused another innocent family to suffer the pain of losing a loved one.i really can't nor have i ever seen where putting that man to death solved anything.it didn't bring my cousin back.i will also tell you it did rip my family apart,for some thought he should have been put to death,and some thought differently.i my self write him before his death sentence was carried out and told him i personaly had forgiven him,but i could not speak for the rest of my family.in writting him what i found was a man that was in much need of intence therapy and if he had received that therapy probably would of never done the crime he did,that if instead of being put to death was given therapy,he probably could of become a productive part of society at some point in his life.this was a man that had for most of his childhood had been serverly abused by a stepfather,after doing much research i found that out.it was never introduced during his trial and perhaps should have been.sorry this is so long.but for the most part i am against the death penalty have been since the age of 16.i'm 44 now and still feel the same way.

squeaky
Thankyou so much for sharing your story, that was really powerful. It is always good to hear stories from both sides, and get all of the opinions out, and your story has done that. I wish there was more people like you that would speak out, the way you did. That was so kind of you writing to that man before his death sentence was carried out, and knowing your forgiveness, would of gave him peace.
Thankyou so much for sharing.

kyla...your welcome...i,ve seen some on hear state a murderer is a murderer.but what they haven't seem to understand in someways that may not be true...there's quite a bit of evidence that's never allowed too be presented in courts.that you don't always get the entire truth...would those that say someone that has commited a murder should never be released or that they deserve the death penalty..if they where told,the one that commited the murder had been harrassed for months with threats,stalked,recieved phone calls at all hours and that after reporting it nothing was done,and they just snaped one day and shot the one harrassing them,would that murderer deserve to be put to death or never get out of prison??the human mind can only take so much before it snaps..do they know going for weeks without food or sleep can also play a role on how people react to things as well...should that murderer also be put to death?or never come back out into society as well...or should both of those murderers recieve theropy and at some point be reintroduced back into society..should a serial killer really be put to death?when if they where alive their mind and way of thinking could be studied in hopes of finding just what made them a serial killer and perhaps one day help in preventing someone else becoming a serial killer,by know means am i saying they should be released back into society,but by putting them to death we haven't learned anything.do serial killers have a chemical imbalance of their brain,could it be a part of their brain is damamged and doesn't function correctly.could those things be corrected if caught early on in their lives if it indeed is a cause....God gave us intelligence we need to learn how to use it in these cases and perhaps prevent serial killings from happening or any other murder.

eye for an eye was meant for the Lord, not us

I used to believe in the death penalty until I had a reality orientation about it. First of all, killing is wrong, no matter who does it. Just because the Constitution condones it does not excuse the fact that a life is being taken before it's time for that person to go naturally. When I worked as a nurse with inmates I had the oppurtunity to meet people that have done some things to make you cringe. At first it was all I could do to not pull away when they needed something. These people treated me with respect and did nothing to hurt me and I came to believe that there is not bad in everyone, no matter what they are accused of. One of my patients had killed his wife, after doing time for attempted murder of his first wife. I still get letters from the row and I write back to him. This is a man who took Domestic Violence to the extreme. Now that my nephew has been arrested for Murder and Ohio is a death penalty state, I'm scared to death! They have no problem sentencing you to death, but the wheels of justice go really slow in Ohio ( thank God!!!! ). Whether he did it or not, I don't know. If he did, I have faith that he'll tell me the truth. This kid lived with me for a year and couldn't keep anything back, even if he took a dollar to buy a burger. He has a part of him that can't live with hiding anything. I also feel that if someone will never change, then let them live out their lives in a prison, and not escape it by the needle.

rottndobelover
Your story was really touching, you have seen it all.
You and your nephew will be in my thoughts. I agree, there are so many other ways that the death penalty.
Quite a few of the wardens and COs actually have stated, that they would prefer to work with death row inmates, than other parts in the prison, as the death row inmates show them the most respect.
These are the people that the states are murdering to :(

I do not see one good reason for the death penalty. I cannot be convinced by any book, real life story, scholar, government or editorial that killing a perpetrator of a crime is right. I would love to see the death penalty abolished. Peace

I do believe in the death penalty. I think that it is a hard issue for all involved, and I feel for the families of the death row inmate. But when I see cases like the Green River Killer (who lived in my area), I support it. Just my opinion.

My response is simple... It is not my position to JUDGE anyone... I am against the DEATH PENALTY... no matter what the situation. We are not GOD how dare we take another life that he has given... I am a strong believer that God will JUDGE each of us accordingly I also am a firm believer that people make mistakes I guess what I am trying to say is that killing someone doesn't bring your loved one back, to me it just adds more pain.

I do not believe in the death penalty. But I am not so much against it for serial killers.

I have a lot of opinions. Some I prefer to keep to myself. Some I don't. When it comes to the death penalty or any other form of punishment. I truly believe that the punishment should fit the crime. But again this is just my opinion.

I do not because there are INNOCENT people that have DIED and are still on DEATH ROW..
mumia.. for one I know about ...

I am about to present a speech on abolishing the death penalty..I had my classmates take a vote and 85% support the death penalty..the two major reasons given are:- people who commit heinous will kill again if released and they would feel "safer" if they are executed. 2) If given life w/out parole, they feel they pay taxes to support them while they are having it good because they have free "room and board" tv and recreation etc.. while their victims are dead...how do I still support the death penalty against such strong opposition? any ideas? please anyone??

What a interesting talk you are doing.
First off, LWOP is a better alternative, not only because we arent commiting another murder but it costs MORE in appeals for death row inmates, than them getting a LWOP sentence. THere taxes are actually giving some attorney a fatter pay check for doing these appeals.

Some people shouldnt be released from prison, but a sentence with Life Without Parol they wont walk out those prison gates, and they wont be able to re offend in the community. When they sit on death row, they get a single cell, fed, and NOT all Death Row inmates, but I know of a few, are allowed to purchase TVs Magazines, etc.

There victim are dead, but 2 wrongs dont make a right, and killing them isnt going to make it right. Its not going to bring peace to the families with there loved ones on death row, just more grief, upon grief.

PM me if you want any information, there questions are the easy ones to answer :)

Kyla is right.The total legal costs in appeals is staggering.The appeals can take 10 to 14 years.But also take into consideration that to make a blanket statement that those who commit heinous crimes will murder again is assuming that all murderers will murder again.Not true.Also the statement assumes that all those on death row are guilty,again not so.But to me the biggest 2 reasons to oppose the DP is that in making the choice for it we would then become murderers ourselves-no matter how you try to justify it or whitewash it-we assume that role just as surely as those convicted.Second reason is because of those who truly are innocent have been wrongfully convicted,even one of them is worth voting DP down.We have the right to remove them from society,but we do not have the right to remove them from the living.Last time I checked I didn't see anyone with the title of God written accross their foreheads.Am totally against it and proud that my state of Michigan Representatives voted it down.

To be honest I have mixed emotions about the death penelty! As person who has had a family member murdered, I hvae the feeling that peopel should pay for their crimes. In my case my cousin was shot 9 times in the back and dumped off of a bridge by 3 young men, 1 of which she knew and dated and another someone she knew and went to school with. Their are very many alligations in her death but in my honest heart I hate to say this but I kinda wish 2 of those men would have got the death sentence. They took someone I loved with all my heart and soul. Heather was a very bright eyed and smart girl who many hopes and dreams and all those things were taken from her that night. I can no longer pick up the phone and call my cousin, I can no longer right her a letter, I can not get in my car, on bus or plane and go vist her....I can but it is her grave I go and see. They took from me someone close to my heart and for that i do hold feelings toward them and I think they should be able to do the same thing to them as they did to my cousin.
However I do disagree with it when it comes to situations like little petty things they wanna send people to death row over, the fact it takes so much of our hard earned money, the fact these people do have loved ones and wifes or husbands sitting at home worrying about the day thier spouse is going to die, the fact that innocent people are put to death or almost have been, and the fact that it takes so long to exacute.
I have a wounderfull friend on PTO many of you may know her RandysBlondie20, Celene and I know her husband Randy is on Death Row. I honestly do not think Cel would have married this man if he was not wounderfull and a loving person. I pray every day that something will happen to get him off of DR because I know how much they are in love and I hope Cel that you did not get offended in way by what I have said. I love ay girl and I know your husband is a great man. I just look at it 2 ways, yeah I do belive in it but the same token I dont. I guess someone would have to be in my shoes undestand why I would agree with it, but I hope none of you do!

I have a wounderfull friend on PTO many of you may know her RandysBlondie20, Celene and I know her husband Randy is on Death Row. I honestly do not think Cel would have married this man if he was not wounderfull and a loving person. I pray every day that something will happen to get him off of DR because I know how much they are in love and I hope Cel that you did not get offended in way by what I have said. I love ay girl and I know your husband is a great man. I just look at it 2 ways, yeah I do belive in it but the same token I dont. I guess someone would have to be in my shoes undestand why I would agree with it, but I hope none of you do!

Ky, you made me cry! lol In a good way though...you are such a sweetheart. No, I did not take offense at all, hun, you have every right to feel the way you do because of your cousin. I would probably feel the same about those two, or anyone that did that if she were my cousin. I feel you completely on that.

As far as my hubby, yes girl he is the most wonderful and compassionate person I have ever known in my life. He is so loving to me, his wife, and his family, and he did not commit murder, but because he was an accomplice, and due to the law of parties in TX, that is why he was sentenced to d/r. Thank you Ky for your prayers, we need them and appreciate them so much. I love you too girl, you are my little sis! ;)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
As far as the death penalty in general, no I do not believe in it. Of course it is very personal to me, and maybe a lot more so than to most people. (But) It has opened my eyes and changed my view on the death penalty, and I think the d/p is inhumane, and that no one should be put to death, especially not someone convicted solely under the law of parties.

Celene

2) If given life w/out parole, they feel they pay taxes to support them ...

The death penalty is far more expensive than LWOP because of the cost of all the appeals. Timothy McVeigh was reportedly the cheapest death row inmate because he waived most of his appeal rights. I'll quote from my textbook:

Myth: The monetary costs of capital punishment are less than the monetary costs of life imprisonment without the opportunity for parole.

Fact: The monetary costs of capital punishment (that is the entire legal process) currently average between $2 million and $3.5 million per execution. The monetary costs of life imprisonment without the opportunity for parole are unlikely to cost more - and may cost much less -than $1 million per offender. It reportedly cost the state of Florida $10 million to execute serial killer Ted Bundy.

From "Introduction to Criminal Justice" 3rd edition (2002)by Bohm and Haley, Glencoe McGraw-Hill publishing.

Blueviolet

What a interesting talk you are doing.
First off, LWOP is a better alternative, not only because we arent commiting another murder but it costs MORE in appeals for death row inmates, than them getting a LWOP sentence. THere taxes are actually giving some attorney a fatter pay check for doing these appeals.

Some people shouldnt be released from prison, but a sentence with Life Without Parol they wont walk out those prison gates, and they wont be able to re offend in the community. When they sit on death row, they get a single cell, fed, and NOT all Death Row inmates, but I know of a few, are allowed to purchase TVs Magazines, etc.

There victim are dead, but 2 wrongs dont make a right, and killing them isnt going to make it right. Its not going to bring peace to the families with there loved ones on death row, just more grief, upon grief.



PM me if you want any information, there questions are the easy ones to answer :)


I agree, but not all states give LWOP

On behalf of my 8 year old cousin who 10 years ago was kidnapped, raped and died along a South Carolina highway. Yes it is necessary.

Lulu
I know Texas is one of those states, that has life or the DP. If they could re evaluate things, and change the DP to LWOP then they wouldnt seek the death penalty as often as they do.

Jerrysfriend
Im sorry for your pain, there are definately some horrible people out there that should never be released from prison.

I am totally 100% against the death penalty regardless of the crimes involved.
Even though some of them may be very heinous and brutal, that doesnt give us the right to take their life. It will not bring back the life that was lost.
It also will cause more pain for the one who is esecuted his families.
We seem to live in a revengeful society and their are alot of blood thirsty people out there.
Now a LWOP sentence makes more sense to me. They will have their lifetime to find out why they did what they did and to make whatever kind of ammends they can make.
Even if it is just saying I'm sorry is a start.
God did not intend for us to kill people.
Many people who have been convicted (rightfully) of a murder charge, have spent their time in prison and have come out and led decent law abiding lives.
I have an ex brother in law who committed murder and he served about 25yrs. When he was released, he started working for the state until he retired a few years ago. He found God and religion in prison and would hold bible study classes for anyone who wanted to learn more about God.
It would have been tragic had he of been executed.
He came out to be a law abiding citizen and thru his ministering to any that would listen, helped to make this world a little better than when he went in.
So for the very heinous inmates, or the ones who it has been determined they will kill again, given the chance, I say incarcerate without parole.

Just my opinions and thoughts.
Hope is a good thing, it springs life eternal.

:pissed: For those of you who dont know. I have been involved/love with a death row inmate for several years now. He has professed his innocence since day one of this nightmare. Since this wonderful state we live in lives by the Death Penalty laws and lives for being able to murder people whether innocent or guilty, he sits and waits wondering daily if his time will soon be over. This wonderful state has LOST or DESTROYED ALL the biological evidence in his case so therefore we cannot obtain any solid DNA evidence to clear him or make him guilty 100%.

If we lived in a state that did not live by the death penalty then we would know that there was time to try and clear his name without having to worry about them killing him. As it is we are rushing to do whatever we can do to try and help him because he has been under a stay of execution since July 13, 2001. Never knowing from day to day when the Al Supreme Court will decided to lift the stay and continue with killing an innocent man.

If we could only get the world to see that the death penalty is sooooooo wrong, then perhaps we would have a happy life. Do I believe in the death penalty. ABSOLUTELY NOT! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Pam
Your post was really moving. The DA's and the state are good at getting rid of evidence when they know they are wrong to "save face"
The terrible thing with the death penalty is that you are fighting with time.
My thoughts and heart go out to you and your loved one on death row.
We will end this nightmare some day, in small steps, but it has to end.
Its people like you that can speak out that can make the differences.
Take care.

:pissed: For those of you who dont know. I have been involved/love with a death row inmate for several years now. He has professed his innocence since day one of this nightmare. Since this wonderful state we live in lives by the Death Penalty laws and lives for being able to murder people whether innocent or guilty, he sits and waits wondering daily if his time will soon be over. This wonderful state has LOST or DESTROYED ALL the biological evidence in his case so therefore we cannot obtain any solid DNA evidence to clear him or make him guilty 100%.

If we lived in a state that did not live by the death penalty then we would know that there was time to try and clear his name without having to worry about them killing him. As it is we are rushing to do whatever we can do to try and help him because he has been under a stay of execution since July 13, 2001. Never knowing from day to day when the Al Supreme Court will decided to lift the stay and continue with killing an innocent man.

If we could only get the world to see that the death penalty is sooooooo wrong, then perhaps we would have a happy life. Do I believe in the death penalty. ABSOLUTELY NOT! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Pam, I am with you. Please dont be "pissed" at all of us. I AM AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY FOR ANY REASON, FOR ANYONE!
I agree with you there are many innocent people in prison or those that have passed on due to our laws. It isnt fair and it isnt justice either.
All we can do is try to keep lobbying and get the word out to everyone, this isnt the way.
I pray that one day all states will abolish the death penalty.
Just keep doing what you can and keep working at it with all the resources you have.
Remember not everyone here is for the death penalty.
You and your loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers.
Remember Hope is a good thing, it springs life eternal.

I have mixed feelings on this subject, In the beggining I was all
for the death penalty. I am the sister of a man who raped and
killed a family member and I know exactly how our family felt the
moment we got the news that my sister had been tortured and
murdered by a man who was angry at his wife and took it out on
the first female he saw. He fought against the death penalty
saying he was not in the right state of mind when he committed
this horrible crime and he got life. I was very angry for a long time
I felt he deserved to die. He took my sister's life in an instant and l
felt he should die the same way. My sister left behind a beautiful 2
year old daughter who is now without her mom and questioning why
her mom is not here. What do we say to her do we show her pictures?
Do we tell her what happened. It has been 5 years and I have changed
my mind somewhat, but I feel that God determines our fate and that
we have no say I have not forgiven this man and it makes my life
very difficult as the days go by because I was not raised to hate. And
I struggle with this on a daily basis. So I am mixed on this issue
sometimes I feel it is wrong (death penalty) and sometimes I am al for it.
My heart goes out to anyone dealing with the same situation

Mcmullin
Thankyou for sharing your story. It is a hard decision to make, and whatever opinion you choose, will be respected. What happened to your sister was a terrible thing. Your family will always be in my thoughts.

I think the death penalty is pointless as a deterrent because I dont think murder has been reduced because of it. You would think that if people were afraid of capital punishent then there would be fewer murders. Now, I don't know if the murder rate is up or down in the U.S but if it is down, it's certainly not due to people's fear of the DP. I also hate the death penalty because there are innocent people on DR. Could you imagine if that were you or a loved one? I could not imagine my son being on DR for a crime he did not commit. Also, I hate to say it, but good people sometimes lose it and do something incredibly insanely stupid and unfortunately they are not thinking about the the DP. Also, I wouldnt object to the DP if it were at least somewhat consistent so people knew what they were facing when they decided to take a life. The DP is so inconsistent that it is stupid.

I do not believe in the death penality.

I also do not believe in the death penalty, Pam you put it in a nut shell.There are 2 sets of victims then. The one thing I don't understand is: how come they can flee bargain about the death penalty? Anyone know?
Margaret. from England.

:angry: I also do not believe in the death penalty, Pam you put it in a nut shell.There are 2 sets of victims then. The one thing I don't understand is: how come they can flee bargain about the death penalty? Anyone know?
Margaret. from England.

I totally do not believe in the death penalty. God brought us in this world and god is going to take us out. I don't think someone else should have the authority to take your life. I think it is WRONG WRONG WRONG.

I do not believe anyone has the right to take another person's life...ever. I have bypassed this forum for some time now, but this morning I am drawn here. The word justice in my opinion means that based on evidence ( often circumstantial ) that someone has commited an unjust action, after having been found guilty, they lose their right to freedom, their right to live in society. Period. The true meaning of justice should not be about giving people the right to decide who among those convicted should live or die. There is no consistency among the states, or among the individual courts, one person committing the same action in one state might serve 2 years, in another state that same act will get life, this indicates justice has become personalized, leniency and harshness of sentances are based on which judge hears your case and who has the better lawyer, or how much money the person has to invest in his or her case. Is this justice? As we know, when a jury is selected both sides try to place juror's they believe will best serve their side, it is indeed biased, in fact when you are a potential juror and are asked if you believe in the death penalty and you reply honestly no, you are often automatically dismissed. Consider how many people who are convicted are truly innocent, we have many statistics that prove our system is not always right or accurate, given that thought alone how can anyone condemn someone to the death penalty in good conscience? One innocent person being put to death is one too many. LWOP should be enough justice for the most serious offenses. Louie's lady say's it best, God brought us life, he alone has the right to take it from us.

I do not belive anyone has the right to kill anyone.


Buddy

absolutely 100% I DO NOT believe in the death penalty:

1. it defies logic to kill someone for killing.
2. it does not reduce crime rates.
3. too many innocent people and wrongly convicted are on death row!!!
4. God is the ONLY judge, not us.
5. Murder by law is an act of revenge. The justice system is not supposed to be about revenge.

Yes, I am for the death penalty. There are particularly heinous crimes which I feel warrant the death sentence. My biggest problem with it today though, is how sure we are that the individual who is given this sentence, is really guilty.
As we have seen in many instances, with the help of the Innocence Project, many people on death row have been released due to DNA testing. How in the world in this possible? There hasn't been just a few cases either. I would really like to delve into these cases, and find out the particulars. All these cases and more, certainly reflect poorly on the individual jurisdictions of sheriffs departments, homicide divisions and prosecutors offices. Time to hold these people accountable for each of these cases I say. And what about the attorneys that were responsible for each of these victims? They need to be held accountable too.

Yes, I am for the death penalty. There are particularly heinous crimes which I feel warrant the death sentence. My biggest problem with it today though, is how sure we are that the individual who is given this sentence, is really guilty.
As we have seen in many instances, with the help of the Innocence Project, many people on death row have been released due to DNA testing. How in the world in this possible? There hasn't been just a few cases either. I would really like to delve into these cases, and find out the particulars. All these cases and more, certainly reflect poorly on the individual jurisdictions of sheriffs departments, homicide divisions and prosecutors offices. Time to hold these people accountable for each of these cases I say. And what about the attorneys that were responsible for each of these victims? They need to be held accountable too.
I respect your opinion that you are for the Death Penalty, however, how can you be for it and still hold the beliefs you do in your second paragraph that there have been many who are innocent, but convicted guilty. Not to mention how many innocent ones have been executed.
Remember Hope is a good thing, it springs life eternal.

I think the US government should look at Canada in regard to Capital Punishment. Executions DO NOT deter people from committing murder.

Murder Rates in Canada

The removal of capital punishment from the Canadian Criminal Code in 1976 has not led to an increase in the murder rate in Canada. In fact, Statistics Canada reports that the murder rate for 2001 stayed stable for the third year in a row at approximately 1.8 homicides for every 100,000 population.

The total number of murders in Canada in 2001 was 554, just eight more than in 2000, but 167 fewer than in 1975, the year before capital punishment was abolished.

Murder rates are generally at least three times lower in Canada than in the United States. In 1999, Canada's murder rate was 1.8 per 100,000 population. In that same year, the U.S. homicide rate was 5.7 per 100,000 population in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics.

Canadian Sentences for Murder

While proponents of the death penalty may cite capital punishment as a deterrent to murder, that has not been the case in Canada. Sentences currently in use in Canada for murder are:


First degree murder - life sentence with no possibility of parole for 25 years
Second-degree murder - life sentence with no possibility of parole for at least ten years
Manslaughter - life sentence with parole eligibility after seven years

Unfortunatly, I do believe in the death penalty, but I believe there should be very strict regulations on someone recieving the death penalty. I do not believe it's fair that only some states have it, even though I do believe in it I also believe that if all states don't have it then none should have it because we're all in the same country if one person commits a murder and gets the death penalty and another commits a murder but in a different state and gets life in prison thats not fair. Now if all states were to have it, I believe only cold blooded serial killers deserve it.

Unfortunatly, I do believe in the death penalty, but I believe there should be very strict regulations on someone recieving the death penalty. I do not believe it's fair that only some states have it, even though I do believe in it I also believe that if all states don't have it then none should have it because we're all in the same country if one person commits a murder and gets the death penalty and another commits a murder but in a different state and gets life in prison thats not fair. Now if all states were to have it, I believe only cold blooded serial killers deserve it.
Wouldnt it be great if all states had the same sentencing guidelines? Then perhaps we could make sense of it all. Instead of all of the different sentences. Just my thoughts on the matter.
Remember Hope is a good thing, it springs life eternal.

I do not believe in the death penalty.

Studies have shown that execution is not a deterrent to crime .... studies also demonstrate that the cost of execution is many times higher than that of keeping a prisoner in for life.

And may I add that the USA is the only civilized country that continues to apply the death penalty and the only civilized country that continues to execute juveniles.

I do not believe in the death penalty.

Studies have shown that execution is not a deterrent to crime .... studies also demonstrate that the cost of execution is many times higher than that of keeping a prisoner in for life.

And may I add that the USA is the only civilized country that continues to apply the death penalty and the only civilized country that continues to execute juveniles.
AMEN PERRIER~

REMEMBER HOPE IS A GOOD THING, IT SPRINGS LIFE ETERNAL.

I believe in the death penalty yes, but certain individuals within the justice system that sends an innocent person to Death Row, I question. The problem lies with prosecutors, sheriffs departments, detectives, etc. who are not doing their jobs correctly. These are people who have been trained to investigate crimes & crime scenes and when an innocent person gets sent to death row, you have to start looking at those trained officials and the piss poor job they are doing. They alone are responsible for this. They are the ones that I hold accountable and it in no way changes my belief in the death penalty. I come from Washington State and if you'll remember Mr. Ted Bundy, he was from here. His atrocious crimes against women here and in other states certainly warranted the death penalty and that is exactly what he got. Those are the types of crimes I am referring to. We now have the Green River Killer who in exchange for information about other victims in this area, did not get the death penalty. He too deserves it. If this has upset you, I want you to know, that I do not believe everyone on death row deserves that fate. For me, it is the most heinous of crimes. Serial Killers to name just one. I am certainly not above having feelings for the those on death row. I do.

Hey, I'm Damaris and I used to be in favor of the death penalty until I started to be pen pals with this man on deathrow from Alabama. I do alot of reasearh on the death penalty so I frequentlt surf the internet about deathrow issues. Well, I came across his website on accident while trying to find some other info. Something about the details of his case made me want to write to him, so I did. It turned out to be the most beautiful experience in my life. He tells me how he feels and what he does while in his small cell. He told me that he like to write poems and raps. We have been pen pels for 6 mons now. He been on deathrow since 1997. I would be really sad if he were to send me a letter and tell me that his ezecution date has been set. I'm telling you, if you were able to write to a deathrow prisoner, your mind would change about the death penalty. Some of the people who are on deathrow were innocent or just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Hey, I'm Damaris and I used to be in favor of the death penalty until I started to be pen pals with this man on deathrow from Alabama. I do alot of reasearh on the death penalty so I frequentlt surf the internet about deathrow issues. Well, I came across his website on accident while trying to find some other info. Something about the details of his case made me want to write to him, so I did. It turned out to be the most beautiful experience in my life. He tells me how he feels and what he does while in his small cell. He told me that he like to write poems and raps. We have been pen pels for 6 mons now. He been on deathrow since 1997. I would be really sad if he were to send me a letter and tell me that his ezecution date has been set. I'm telling you, if you were able to write to a deathrow prisoner, your mind would change about the death penalty. Some of the people who are on deathrow were innocent or just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Welcome to PTO. Your last line really says it all. Execution will never bring back the dead and will only create one more family being a victim.
Remember Hope is a good thing, it springs life eternal.

Welcome to PTO. Your last line really says it all. Execution will never bring back the dead and will only create one more family being a victim.
Remember Hope is a good thing, it springs life eternal.
Yeah Babygirl. My mind just completely changed towards the death penalty. And anyways, thanks for welcoming me. I just love this website.

Yeah Babygirl. My mind just completely changed towards the death penalty. And anyways, thanks for welcoming me. I just love this website.

Glad you found us then. You will find alot of supportive people here and alot of good info and help. There are alot of strong people here that is for sure. Some of us have a long time to wait, others are less fortunate for their loved ones wont be coming home in all liklihood. There are some that have their loved ones home now and some of us only have a little longer to wait.
Remember Hope is a good thing, it springs life eternal.

There are several ways to look at the Death Penalty.

I will respond to deterrance and to retribution..

Deterrence - does not work (in terms of capital punishment), and that is proven. People get the death penalty usually have committed heinous crimes - murder. Murder is usually a heat of the moment action and therefore the person does not have time to even consider the consequences of their actions.. For planned murders, part of the planning is not getting caught, and so deterrence does NOT work.

Retribution - In a nutshell, why does the state have the right to tell us we cannot murder, but that they can murder us? An eye for an eye is bull crap. Our society tends to lean towards rehabilitation of the offender in order to ease the transition of the offender back into society, however, if rehabilitation and the protection of society from unrehabilitated offenders are the only purpose of legal punishment, then the death penalty could be abolished.

I DO NOT believe in the death penalty.. no exceptions.

I have been experiencing a change of heart recently on the subject of the death penalty. I used to think - yes - it has its place. Now, I have 2 brothers in prison, one dying of cancer. Neither had violent offenses, both were drug related and neither got the death penalty. As much pain as I feel for them in the situation they are in now, I have to think... What if they had been high on meth and got into a sticky situation and pulled out a gun and shot someone... Would I love them less? Would I want them to die for their mistake? - The answer is No - I love them no matter what. I know there are people on death row who committed a crime when they weren't in their "right" minds. Now, they are sitting there and remorseful for the crimes they committed. I sometimes feel like my brother did get the death penalty because he has been in prison and was not diagnosed with cancer until it is at Stage IV and had metastisized to other locations. He has only a few months left to live and a few months left on his sentence. If he doesn't get his commutation in a couple of weeks, he very well might never get to come home again. I think about the medical care the people who are in prison receive. Is it adequate? Is it possible that if my brother was on the outside they would have found the cancer earlier and he might have made it? These are questions I will probably never know the answer to. But - I have decided that - I cannot support the Death Penalty in any circumstance. Even if it is someone who has killed more than one person and is considered pure evil, I can't believe that it is right for another human being to determine who needs to be killed and who doesn't. I think that God will punish the people that need to be punished. I will also say that I believe that there are people that need to be locked up until they die. But - we should not kill people who kill people to teach people that killing people is wrong!

I have been experiencing a change of heart recently on the subject of the death penalty. I used to think - yes - it has its place. Now, I have 2 brothers in prison, one dying of cancer. Neither had violent offenses, both were drug related and neither got the death penalty. As much pain as I feel for them in the situation they are in now, I have to think... What if they had been high on meth and got into a sticky situation and pulled out a gun and shot someone... Would I love them less? Would I want them to die for their mistake? - The answer is No - I love them no matter what. I know there are people on death row who committed a crime when they weren't in their "right" minds. Now, they are sitting there and remorseful for the crimes they committed. I sometimes feel like my brother did get the death penalty because he has been in prison and was not diagnosed with cancer until it is at Stage IV and had metastisized to other locations. He has only a few months left to live and a few months left on his sentence. If he doesn't get his commutation in a couple of weeks, he very well might never get to come home again. I think about the medical care the people who are in prison receive. Is it adequate? Is it possible that if my brother was on the outside they would have found the cancer earlier and he might have made it? These are questions I will probably never know the answer to. But - I have decided that - I cannot support the Death Penalty in any circumstance. Even if it is someone who has killed more than one person and is considered pure evil, I can't believe that it is right for another human being to determine who needs to be killed and who doesn't. I think that God will punish the people that need to be punished. I will also say that I believe that there are people that need to be locked up until they die. But - we should not kill people who kill people to teach people that killing people is wrong!

Very eloquently stated. Thanks for sharing.

It seems medical care is on the very bottom of the list in the prison system.

So sorry for your family and yourself.

Remember Hope is a good thing, it springs life eternal.

O.K., I do believe in the death penalty, but in only limited cases. I also agree with those who have stated that it seems to be slanted against poor people- too true, and certainly reforms are needed to make every allowance that innocent people are not executed, and I don't agree with giving the ultimate sentence to those who were marginally involved. Now as, for the rest of the arguments: those who say "killing is always wrong" probably feel that killing in self-defense is acceptable, and that it is sometimes necessary in times of war, so that statement is meaningless. As far as the families of those on Death Row also being victims, that is absolutely true, but they are ADDITIONAL victims of the crime their loved one committed, not of the state or society, so put the blame where it is due!!! We on PTO are all too aware that we all suffer over the crimes committed by our loved ones and are doing the time with them, only those falsely accused can really complain against the system for their situation.

The death penalty is the sad and horrible result of sad and horrible actions taken. Oh, and as far as "playing God", again, that's a non-issue. I don't believe in God and therefore feel somebody has to do it. In this case, it's the free exchange of ideas in our country that results in laws. They can change.
If the majority of the population can be convinced that the death penalty is wrong, then that will become the policy, so all I can suggest to those who oppose it is to actively campaign , as I'm sure many of you do. To those who have a loved one unfairly on Death Row, my heart goes out to you and I wish you success in getting the situation reversed. To those who love someone on Death Row who is there as result of a heinous act they chose to commit, my heart goes out to you, too- you are another victim of their crime.

yes i do believe in the death penalty!!!!!!!!!! and no maybe i never took the time to write to a death row inmate uumm...maybe because i feel there's a lot more positive i could do with my time (nighthawk) but thanks for inlighting me and telling me how remorseful they feel for the crimes they've committed if that was so then they shouldn't have committed them.....the sad thing is i much rather put thought into the hideous things they have done and the family's they have broken up and lives they ruined then what they still might have to offer some people as sad as it might be to say are beyond help sorry if I've insulted anyone but it's just my opion

Do I believe in the death penalty?

No, never, not for anyone, not even Saddam Hussein and Osama Bin Laden. Murder is never the answer, no matter who commits it.

Do I believe in the death penalty?

No, never, not for anyone, not even Saddam Hussein and Osama Bin Laden. Murder is never the answer, no matter who commits it.

Well that certainly is calling it like it is MURDER. It is just that when the state does it, it is legalized.

Remember Hope is a good thing, it springs life eternal.

To me, murder is murder -- whether done by an individual or by an institution or by a government. There is no justification.

If you look at it statistically, barring serial killers, murderers have the lowest recividism of any felon. The cost of execution is far higher than maintaining an inmate in prison for the remainder of his/her life. You cannot bring back an innocent person.

I've worked on several death penalty briefs. I've been in tears more times than not. Animals are not treated as badly as some of the people who are on death row. They suffered extreme abuse as infants and children; had known little, if any, any love; had little chance to get anywhere in this world. Many have well below average intelligence. Many have found redemption in prison, whether it be through religion, art or just plain remorse. Murdering these people serves