Originally Posted by
cstone
Would you do that before or after he is given a fair trial and convicted by a jury of his peers? I just want to know what you would want if, God forbid, you are ever accused of any crime.
I also am not sure how torturing criminals protects children. Death penalties don't deter criminal behavior anymore than locks stop thieves. When the State executes a criminal it is basically making a statement that this person has no right to exist among civilized people and this person has no hope of redemption. The State has that right and I am glad that We the People are the State.
As far as screwing anyone's religious values and morals for the sake of protecting people, watch how far down that road you want to travel. Historically that is a pretty rough road with some nasty repercussions.
I don't disagree with anyone who would like to take some revenge against criminals like this. Payback is a natural human desire. I also know just how imperfect the system is and understand why some of the safe guards, like the Eighth Amendment, are in place. It isn't a perfect system, but it beats the heck out of mob rule. Victims have a say in the process, but they don't get to be judges and executioners. I can't imagine the grief this child's family is going through and will have to live with for the rest of their lives. They will never be the same again.
This criminal was caught. No one should be so naive to believe there aren't plenty more sick, twisted criminals out there just as bad, if not worse, then him. I'm sorry to say that I believe that criminals like this one will always exist. It is not in our power to exterminate them all.
I believe that everyone faces judgment someday. Some sooner than others. There are things worse than death.
Just my $.02