I don't see how that effects my original criticism--the implication of your statements entails an assumption you are not entitled to make.
blatham
I believe in capital punishment not because of the biblical passage but because I believe it is at times justified.
Quote:- then let's just acknowledge that he has a fixed idea not ammenable to rationality.
Rationality as determined by th great blatham no doubt.
Setanta
I was going to say have it your own way and let it go at that.
However, I am baffled by U]not entittled [/u
What gives you the right to assume that people here who oppose the use of capital punishment are so shallow in their convictions as to abandon that principle in the face of the proximity of a crime? I have not assumed to know why you hold the opinion you do, nor have i stooped to suggest that you'd feel differently if the accused were you, a family member, or someone you know. I take your statement of what you believe at face value, and you ought to display the courtesy of reciprocation. I find the entire tenor of your supposition to be snide.
I propose a VERY extreme example:
You receive a video tape with stamped documentation showing its auhenticiy. On it is a very graphic display of an individual raping, torturing, burning, killing your wife, daughter, son, husband, S.O., dog, grandmother, or whatever you hold dearly to your heart. There is ABSOLUTE proof that the individual committed this act and they are bragging about it and laughing about it and explaining how the victim was begging, crying, pleading.
How would you feel about the death penalty then?
au
An idea held as a matter of faith, or held on the basis of Authority, and no longer ammenable to alteration or dismissal, is a fixed idea. Fixed ideas do not respond to rational argument. I don't much like them.
You are a really sick, twisted individual, you know? I would not change my opinion on the death penalty--but you are disgusting. This kind of thing is the stuff of your truncated, warped fantasy life, isn't it? You make me so ill, that i'll ask you to have the courtesy not to address your remarks to me in future.
What a creep.
McGentrix
A Hell's Angel sees a video tape of someone taking a sledge hammer to the biker's Harley. Does his emotional response point in the direction of good social policy?
Setanta
Were you addressing me?
McGentrix wrote:I propose a VERY extreme example:
You receive a video tape with stamped documentation showing its auhenticiy. On it is a very graphic display of an individual raping, torturing, burning, killing your wife, daughter, son, husband, S.O., dog, grandmother, or whatever you hold dearly to your heart. There is ABSOLUTE proof that the individual committed this act and they are bragging about it and laughing about it and explaining how the victim was begging, crying, pleading.
How would you feel about the death penalty then?
Well I for one would want the son-of-a-bitch to suffer as much as possible for what he did.
So, let's see. My choices would be:
Put him in jail for a while and then give him a rather peaceful, painless, sanitary death -- or allow him to rot in prison as the girlfriend of a 350 lb. weight lifting, degenerate sadist.
Hummmm! Let me think about that for a while and get back to you.
I would also propose that the individual would most likely end up BEING the "350 lb. weight lifting, degenerate sadist" who now has the oppurtunity to ravage more people while in prison.
If they are dead, you can be certain that they will not be repeating their offense on anyone.
It was a hypothetical question, not directed at anyone, if you take it personally, that is your perogative.
Oh, i didn't take it personally--but you should take personally my assertion that you are a hateful, disgusting person . . . because i mean it.
Then consider my feelings hurt.
Does that make you happy? Does that make you feel better? Should I get you a tissue?
CodeBorg wrote:
I'm reading all of the links but I don't see your opinion within them.
Please share with us what you think, what atrocities you see, how you react, to the article that you posted, and what kind of comparison you make, between what you believe happens in Saudi Arabia and the U.S.
Your words and thoughts are important to me.
McGentrix -- Two days later, and I have yet to see your opinion about the article anywhere on this thread.
Noting, of course, that one may
a) feel one way,
b) think another, and
c) make conscious decisions to behave even another way.
My feelings
-By McGentrix
Having come here to A2K recently, and in search of relevent, challenging political discussion, I was eager to expand my knowledge base to encompass new opinions and ideas. I was then swallowed up into a cult of hate the like I have not seen elsewhere. The sheer hatred put forth by many of the members of this place was quite daunting. I had to change many of my personal opinions just to try to stay afloat upon this ocean of hatred and hostility. Everywhere I looked, I found criticism and hatred of many things that I hold dear. Now realize, that I could have left at any time and not been any worse for the experience, but I found some small islands of common thought and even some brief moments of actual insight into the "other" side which kept me here.
One of the things that really bothers me is the insistant attitude that America is some dark, evil place where 6 people rule with an iron thumb and that every one is enslaved to the government. It saddens me to think that is what some people see and think when America is brought up. I see a country that is one of the only beacons of freedom and justice in the world. I see a country that has a more diverse population, more influential culture, and more freedoms than any other in the world.
There are many countries in this world that are very inhospitable and I am thankful that I do not live in them. I am glad that I have the freedom to do as I choose and that I never have to fear many of the things that people in other countries have to fear, no matter what many people will say, America is still the greatest place in the world to live. I support my country and though I may not agree with everything that the current leaders do, I know that I can personally effect change without pissing and moaning about it. I know that no one is beyond being voted out of office.
So, my opinion about that article? It made me thankful that I don't live there.
Because they use swords instead of guns? Because some of their executions are done out in public? Because the executioner has dark complexion? Or that their laws are different from our laws? What?
I'm trying to discuss the article about the executioner and how it reflects on Saudi Arabia versu the United States.
What in the article do you react to ... and what is the reaction? If you don't discuss the article then no one can see it your way, agree, or disagree!
McG--
I always enjoy your opinions; whether or not they agree with mine.
This would be a dull place if we all agreed...
Keep it real! :wink:
OHMIGAWD.... Frank!
...You are the first person I've seen that feels basically the same way I do. I've written somewhere on this forum, I don't remrmber where, and said dozens of times in conversation; If someone were to rape, and murder, say my daughter, and I walked in on him, or caught him soon after, and he admited it, I could easily take his life myself. But with time for reason to set in, I would hate to see him murdered by the state, and sent to eternal rest. I would beg the judge to sentence him to natural life in prison, (general pop. of course) and then I would sincerely wish him, a lo-o-o-o-ng life. ( You sure you didn't read my posts, Friend?..teasing :wink: )
Mr. McGentrix,
...One thing, I'm absolutly sure of from reading your posts. You are NOT, African-American, Japanese-American, or Native-American.
Nope, just plain old American...
