Let us open by saying the Innocence Project is a fantastic group that has saved many, many people who have been railroaded by a seriously broken criminal “justice” system in America. The notion of death for the worst of criminal actions has been, and always will be, one that divides society. The executions of those innocents who may have been guilty are beyond horror, and any doubt whatsoever in a person’s guilt should not end with dying for something he may or may not have done. It used to be enough to send someone to the gallows, or chair, just by accusing them of pretty much anything and calling them a nigger. Yes, that was rampant. And yes, it still happens.
It is bad enough that we have fielded an unknown number of police officers in America who have no idea what the law calls for, and, more importantly, what it does not allow for. Anyone with a badge can entirely wreck an innocent person’s life, and that happens all the time. That said, there are people out there who have knowingly, repeatedly, and admittedly killed, yet have this inexplicable group support structure.
When the courts, prosecutors, or law enforcement lie and twist evidence to convict someone who might be guilty, it seems only fair and just that those who would send someone to their death based on known lies should themselves be subject to the same punishment that that person would have been subjected to. If that means death, so be it. And remember, people, “the court” means the judge, who is a single person in the process. Whenever you hear or read the phrase “the court finds”, that translates to “well, here’s what the judge thinks.”
Now, where there remains no question of guilt, paying for killing by being killed seems obvious. So, what would constitute “no doubt”? Video, or cell recordings? DNA? A combination thereof? How about a gaggle of survivors who were in the same theater room when James Eagan Holmes went on a killing spree in Colorado? You know, the “dark knight” murders? Or a kid (take your pick) walking into a school and shooting people for no remotely sane reason? Susan Smith, or Andrea Yates? Why are any of these people still alive?
Three days ago (at this writing), a discovery of two bodies was made in a Cleveland, Ohio, neighborhood. Initially, it was reported that the female’s bodies (or parts of them) were found in two separate suitcases; they were half-sisters, between 8 and 14 years of age. Kids. What possibly could they have done to deserve their despicable ends? A woman was arrested today in that case, though not identified. We know what the obvious defense will be. Of course, she’s insane. Why is that an excuse to murder?
Was Ted Bundy, or John Wayne Gacy crazy? Yeah, that’s why they are dead. Now, there really shouldn’t be that much of an issue with giving a guy a last meal of preference. Not like it’s going to cost any more than that person’s 2+ decades of food, cable, and college education bilked the system already. But let’s not continue to bolster sorrow and support for the worst dregs of the world while pissing on their victims.
Man is a social animal. We live by agreed understandings. When understanding is breached, it demands a balancing of accounts.
Then we seek justice. Sometimes that requires retribution.
There is always doubt. Every choice is uncertain. The best we can do is find the balance, pursue the best compromise, among the need, the cost, and uncertainty.
Man is a social animal. We live by agreed understandings. When understanding is breached, it demands a balancing of accounts.
Then we seek justice. Sometimes that requires retribution.
There is always doubt. Every choice is uncertain. The best we can do is find the balance, pursue the best compromise, among the need, the cost, and uncertainty.