Replies

"Stupidity, because we have no rational reason to kill people we could as well put behind bars as long as necessary"

What, so they can brutalize and murder other prisoners? Some 18 year old kid gets a year in prison for something relatively minor, and pays for it with at least his dignity (being forced to become someone's catamite) and possibly his life? Where's your compassion for the people you want to lock into steel cages with these murderers?

Besides, the death penalty illustrates the gravity of the crime. As Rooster Cogburn said, "It'll give'em to know we're serious."

"Waste, because even the most sorry and lacking attempt to make sure we don't err in killing people results in that absurdous pomposity called death penalty process right now - it's waaay cheaper to just keep people in prison,"

The solution to that is to fix the process, not abandon the goal.

"And worst of all, hybris. Because basically, we play God here."

That ain't what the Bible says.

"Killing brings out all the worst instincts in us"

What's this "us" crap, you got a mouse in your pocket? You don't know how killing affects other individuals, much less society at large.

"and with each such act that is done in our name we lose a little of our humanity, of our kindness and our grace."

Nonsense.

"Count me in as a convinced Catholic on this...."

No, I'm going to count you as a confused Catholic who needs to rethink.

[playing God] That ain't what the Bible says.

That is what the bible says.

Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger.

But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her."

Again he bent down and wrote on the ground.

And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. John 8,6-8

Ah, this little gem escaped my attention:

No, I'm going to count you as a confused Catholic who needs to rethink.

Well, thankyou, my priest, my bishop and my Pope agree with me on this, so either your perception of Catholic teaching is a little confused - or utterly mistaken.

Rage and hatred tend to bring out the worst in us.