Posted on 11/24/2005 6:29:21 PM PST by SmithL
I agree with your analysis completely. Van Houten may someday get paroled (she is the only one of the Manson family still imprisoned who has any real chance of parole), but she will be an old, old woman when it happens.
Thank you kindly. Through a glass darkly now, and if have sincere devotion in our hearts, we'll see the Lord face to face one of these days.
Hang him.
Because I disagree with you (and the ACLU, the Hollywood left and Tookie Williams) on this issue?
You think rehabilitation is a consideration on a capitol pusnishment case, I do not (nor on a life sentance). It is a difference of opinion, not personal.
A difference of opinion.. that is obvious. Disagreeing is one thing. Having a solid ground for said disagreement is quite another. You seem to think that disagreement in and of itself is useful or purposeful. Just because you can isn't a reason.
Nor is it bedevilment to point out that your stance is wrong.
I have offered that it may be. As I noted before, I don't know all the details of the case. I'm approaching this from the hypothetical. Justice must be done to be sure. But, if the purpose is met in mercy, then Justice is also served. Don't be a pharisee.
I do not believe she will ever leave prison alive. I also see where Arnold is going to give Williams a hearing and I believe he will grant him clemency for political gain but I hope not.
We are indeed on the same wavelength. I really don't care if capitol punishment doesn't deter crime. You are right that THAT GUY won't be committing any more, and for me it is a question of him not being around any more to have ANY pleasures of this life. No books, no weight room, no mashed potatoes, nothing. The victims don't have that.
I have to agree with you 100%. We should also bring back pillory for non-violent crimes. A few hours of public humillition will accomplish more than several years behind bars. Plus it would be an excellent deterrent and probably prevent a lot would-be lawbreakers from starting down the criminal path.
I've mentioned this on FR a number of times. A few years ago I served on a grand jury for several months, heard a lot and got my eyes opened about what goes on behind the scenes, heard a lot of testimony from LEOs, witnesses, and the district attorneys. I live in a very rural, red county in a western blue state. At the end of our grand jury time, the head DA spoke to me privately, and when I opined that public caning would be the only way to really help the crime problem, he emphatically, off the record, agreed with me. But he said the public would never go for it.
I have no idea why people think such public punishments are cruel. One day in the stocks, or one incident of 15 stripes with a rattan cane, and the perp is free to chart a new path in life. Compare that with losing a few years in jail, coming out worse than he went in.
Public shame and public pain, and it also teaches those who witness the punishment. Our justice system is broken.
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