We can expect to hear the sentence for Moussaoui come down any time now. It seems pretty clear to me that he wants the death penalty -- and why not? In his eyes, he dies a martyr and spends eternity with a hundred virgins or something.
I'm actually thinking that life in prison would be more of a punishment for this dude. Let the boys in Leavenworth work him over for the rest of his worldly existence -- that's real punishment.
The question is this -- when the highest form of punishment by our culture is actually a positive thing for the person being punished, does it make sense to adjust the punishment accordingly? Is putting him to death more about punishment, or vengence?
I've never been a strong proponent of the death penalty, but I think this guy has certainly done what he needs to to earn it. On the other hand, putting him to death gives him exactly what he wants and isn't really "punishment."
Just thinking out loud here. Anyone got any thoughts?
I'm actually thinking that life in prison would be more of a punishment for this dude. Let the boys in Leavenworth work him over for the rest of his worldly existence -- that's real punishment.
The question is this -- when the highest form of punishment by our culture is actually a positive thing for the person being punished, does it make sense to adjust the punishment accordingly? Is putting him to death more about punishment, or vengence?
I've never been a strong proponent of the death penalty, but I think this guy has certainly done what he needs to to earn it. On the other hand, putting him to death gives him exactly what he wants and isn't really "punishment."
Just thinking out loud here. Anyone got any thoughts?
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