Pugs,
Then if a person ever told anyone that "if I'm ever raped or violently assaulted, I will kill the person who attacks me" is guilty of premeditated murder. What if this person is raped and hides their shame and embarrasment privately until later blowing their lid and killing the assailant?? I would state that in both cases it is murder, but if the victim could prove their case, I would let them walk out of my courtroom.
Exactly how do you define what is the "moment"?? Is the moment when your spouse or girlfriend threatens to leave you for another man (or in the case of a very nice fellow I once knew, for another woman), and you decide in the heat of rage to kill her/him??
I believe that those who violently attack anyone should be severely punished when there is no case for self-defense. If I ever did harm to an innocent person, I deserve everything that I get. (the issue is how do you define innocent)
No Pugs... while their blood may be the same color as mine and we may share some genetic material in common, those who are guilty of violently victimize innocent civilians are outcasts of society. They are not like me. And I hope they are not like you. I have a relative in prison due to his own stupidity and arrogance. He was not violent, but he is beligerent when drunk and believes he should have the right to do what he wants when he wants. Screw the authorities...
I haven't communicated with him in 4 years. When he gets out and shows that his attitude reflects that he has been the one to blame for his problems, I will be there for him. But I can't change his life. He has to do it himself.
I think our capital punishment process allows more than adequate assurance that only deserving and obviously guilty individuals are executed. There are mistakes that have happened in the past but the authorities don't take flipping the switch lightly. And given that Riley has been focusing on serial murderers, I don't think many out here would say that they are just like you or me. And for the most part, serial and premeditated murder are the only crimes that most criminals are executed for.
As to having ideals realized, you do it by keeping your eyes pointed to the skies, but keeping those feet firmly planted on the ground.
Aren't we all having fun?? Bet the SEC folks are loving this little discussion... <wink>
Regards,
Ron
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