[eagleye]

Earth to Paleo,

Your Saddam argument is just about the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. Nuclear weapons technology is already widespread and easily available, even to 3rd-world countries. What in the world does your argument have to do with the execution of American citizens?

[Paleo Conservative]

I saide weapons of mass destruction. That includes biological weapons. While nuclear weapons require massive infrastucture in order to manufacture the materials, biological weapons have much lower capital requirements once new pathogenic organisms have been developed.

You did not limit the discussion to the execution of American citizens. You said, "the rationale for the death penalty is a mystery to me." I am trying to find the most extreme cases to start a justification. People who murder millions of humans or violate treaties such as the one prohibiting development biological and chemical weapons that could be used to kill millions should be at the top of the list of criminals who should be put to death. If the most horrendous criminals who murder large numbers of people could be justifiably be put to death, why should not criminals who kill or mutiliate one person be put to death?