There is irony. However, my point is that the German moral compass has been passed from one generation to the other in such a mangled state that the present day Germans have lost touch with reality.
Just like the son of the abusive alcoholic that is so traumatized by his father's past that they truly believe that anyone that allows a single drop of alcohol to pass through their lips is a moral degenerate and is terrified of ever tasting a drop of alcohol, the current generation of Germans has swung to the other extreme in terms of imposing state sanctions against an individual no matter how deserving the circumstances.
Neither the son of the alcoholic nor the present day German is thinking rationally. They are just reacting viscerally to a great fear that there is a demon force inside of them that they cannot control and must therefore avoid at all costs.
Irrationality often brings about quite ridiculous ironies. In this case, by over-valueing the crimminal's life, Germany is obscenely cheapening the lives of 3,000 murder victims.
That's exactly the case.
I think it's very important to remember the values the German Republic is founded on. The first article of our constitution reads "Human Dignity is untouchable". It is the base of all further laws (there are many laws which I think are in opposition to this, but that's not the topic here) and it is not changeable as long as this Republic exists.
So, death penalty and basically all law which is meant only for retaliaton is against the German constitution.
And all this crap about Nazi-Germany: Hey guys, you have a freaking concentration camp at Guantanamo Bay. What about that?
Michael:
Hey, nice to see a Christian that really seems to be a Christian after all :). I agree with almost everything you said - your atitude towards the state is a tad over the top in things of positivsm though.
"I respond to those that our system follows the ideals of the New Testament, and that such a system based on Jesus principles cannot be immoral"
This I highly doubt. Don't forget that many states claim that for themselves (eg. the USA: Just remember Bush's "crusade"). It's easy to interpret religious documents in a way that suits your goals, whatever they may be.
Could you specify which Germans? Or do you mean all of them? Does this also mean all Americans are Republicans? I'm having trouble following this logic.
Neither the son of the alcoholic nor the present day German is thinking rationally.
LOL, I had to look over my shoulder and tell my wife she is not rational or capable of rational thought. She lost her moral compass. She is glad to find these things out naturally. We can apply for gov't benefits now.