Capital Punishment

I don't have any moral objections to capital punishment. I just think it's ineffective and silly. Someone who is contemplating murder isn't going to stop and reconsider because they are afraid of being executed. Prison is much scarier then death. Life in Prison without any possibility of getting out is the Ultimate Punishment, not Death. Capital Punishment is a couple of decades of death row as lawyers clog up the legal system followed by the relief of death. Unless the lawyers find a technicality, in which case it becomes life in prison anyway. Capital Punishment is not a deterrent or the ultimate punishment. It is a cost savings measure. It's cheaper to execute a person after 10-20 years of appeals then it is to keep them in prison for 30 or more years. And if the lawyers were kept in line, it would save even more money - less time waiting for death. It's also mostly revenge, which is healthy for nobody.

The Moussaoui case is a good example. He got the ultimate punishment. He's going to spend the rest of his life in a cell. For 23 hours a day, he'll be completely by himself. Even for the one hour of "recreation" time, he'll be alone. That's a hell of a lot worse then execution and going wherever it is we go after death. Especially when the person wants death, when the person believes it would make them a martyr and help their cause. Yes, there is no doubt in my mind that he got the worst possible punishment. Since he was really just a wannabe and not an actual terrorist, it may be a bit harsh. He gets to be the scapegoat. But the punishment is still appropriate.

Capital Punishment is a pointless practice. It serves no purpose and accomplishes nothing positive. It should be discontinued, not because it's immoral or wrong, but because the way it is carried out in this country is stupid and pointless. Caters to the need for revenge and saves a little money, that's the only benefit.