[coffeecrazy1]

(rant)
I support the death penalty as a tool of the criminal justice system. I do not believe it necessarily has a deterrent effect on crime. I support it because I think that, in the vast majority of cases, the punishment fits or falls short of the crime. I believe it should be reserved for only the worst offenders in our system.

However, I do not support the current method or administration of the death penalty. The appeals process allows inmates like Tookie Williams to rot for 20+ years in some cases before the sentence is completed. Similarly, our methods of execution are questionable as well. Even lethal injection, regarded as the most humane of our recent methods, yields a rather painful end to life, especially in light of the fact that more effective and painless chemicals are available(such as barbiturates).

NOW...what bothers me about the above is the hypocrisy of the entire system. I would have very little problem if someone came right out and said, "Sure...it's a harsh and painful process, both leading up to the execution and the actual execution...but that's part of the punishment." If the officials were upfront about it being the most unpleasant experience possible(or one of them), then I might find it extreme, but at least I could respect it(see also Singapore, who never hides its harshness). But, the politcalspeak about "supporting the law" and "respecting the jury" rings so hollow to me.

So...in conclusion...either find a truly painless way to kill, and kill them soon after the conviction, or fry'em, but be honest that you're frying them.(/rant)