Comments on: Couldn’t Help But Notice (052307)

By: Cornfed

Cornfed — Thu, 24 May 2007 15:26:10 +0000

I agree with Mr. Blumer: There are ways to guarantee public safety without resorting to it, i.e. to capital punishment; e.g. by life without parole. Therefore, cap punishment is not necessary in the US [besides, the appeals by cap punishment lawyers likely uses a disproportionate amount of court attention]. I similarly lack confidence in the legal system, esp over the long-term. Any system is imperfect. Since cap punishment is permanant, it is out of place in an imperfect system. Life in prison allows for a belated proof of innocence (or reasonable doubt) should be allowed for by the due process system; such as via technology (DNA, etc) or via dissipation of mob moods (The Fugitive).

By the way, I did not mean to imply anything about the abortion policy with comment #1. I was just curious if this was a single issue group — abortion politicians — or if they extended a ‘right to life’ issue theme across related issues. Thanks for the reply with Comment #2 info. Very helpful.

By: Rose

Rose — Wed, 23 May 2007 22:05:01 +0000

LB, thank you…some folks have a problem discerning b/w apples & oranges. Kind of like the old anti-gun “we’re not pioneers anymore” argument. Doesn’t matter…we have a right to Life and a right to bear arms. Period, end of report.

By: largebill

largebill — Wed, 23 May 2007 17:05:58 +0000

Tom,

Thanks for addressing the fake Catholic politicians. I thought about blogging on the subject but couldn’t decide which angle to beat up. I can’t remember who said it but one blogger noted that the congresscritters seemed to be accusing the Pontiff of being unAmerican. As far as commenter #1, I hope he can understand there is a difference between society as a whole punishing someone guilty of murder and an individual killing an innocent child for being inconvenient.

By: TBlumer

TBlumer — Wed, 23 May 2007 16:12:23 +0000

#1, if you’re saying that the Catholic Church unequivocally opposes the death penalty in all cases, you would be incorrect.

The Church would prefer that it be very rare.

US Bishops are leaning on the idea that there are ways to guarantee public safety without resorting to it (life without parole), and that cap punishment is not necessary in the US. I am not alone among those lacking such confidence in the legal system, esp over the long-term.

By: Cornfed

Cornfed — Wed, 23 May 2007 14:05:10 +0000

Curious on the pro-life groups to Catholic politicians: Is there a similar letter for the death penalty to politician’s votes?