I've probably told this story over the years here, but it's apropos now. The death penalty IS A DETERRENT. Years ago, when I was 16, I had an opportunity to spend a month with the notorious bank robber, Willie Sutton (My dad was writing his autobiography and he was staying in our home). As odd as it sounds, we became pretty friendly. I asked him (I guess as only teenagers would have the nerve to do) why he never killed anyone. He said, and I'll never forget, "because I knew that if I killed someone, I'd be killed." The most honest answer I think I've ever gotten in my life. Of course it won't stop most murders, but the type of murder where someone robs a convenience store, or bank and then turns around and murders the clerk because he/she is the witness...that's what we're talking about. So whenever I hear that it's not a deterrent, I think back to my friend, Willie Sutton, and I think I think I know better than any pundit about this issue.
Thanks, Hildy.
Great insight I would never have known.
I recall how frightened Ted Bundy was.
LOL -- he was pleading and trying to
make deals right up to the last minute.
I wish he could have been fried twice.