[zeugma]

BUT I value his opinion as someone in law enforcement over a kneejerk civilian with no experience.

That's an interesting application of the us vs. them mentality. Why would you discount a "civilian's" opinion? Do you think that only LEOs are qualified to make ethical judgements regarding application of the death penalty?

[cyborg]

No I do not totally discount a civilian's opinion. If I want expert advice/opinion on an issue, I tend to go to people in the field first. I am a civilian with zero experience in law enforcement. I am going to say I know more about the death penalty system,etc. than someone in the field? I'm just doing what people do when we talk about racial profiling. That is, it doesn't really matter what civilians think. It is best to go see what the policemen think first.

That's all.