Re: Is the death penalty Extropian?

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<Den Otter wrote>
I dunno whether it's Extropian (only Max knows ;-) , but it certainly is rational. Yes. I'd like to add that IMO, the punishment should fit the crime;
serial killers/mass murderers/people who tortured their victims etc. should receive harsher death penalties than someone who kills just one victim in a relatively humane way. I also support corporal punishment for violent offenders, btw.

<Paul>

You claimed it is rational, but you have yet to demonstrate it. All you've said is an 'eye for eye' - since when is equal or greater vengeance rational? Vengeance is an *emotional* response, not a rational one.

<Den Otter>

Of course, the whole justice system would have to be revised before any executions can start.
Main changes:
--no age limit

<Paul>

So your advocating that we start killing 6 year olds? How compassionate of you!

<Den Otter>

--video/audio footage (nation-wide camera system in public places with central databanks).

APaul>
Extropianism is about decentralizing knowledge and power. Your advocacy of creating a centralized databank is antithetical to this.

<den Otter>

--lay juries are abolished

<Paul>

That my friend is a slippery slide towards totalitarianism. A jury of ones peers is so fundamental to a free legal system, that any argument against it smacks of a system ruled not by people, but by decree. Very un-extropian.

<Den Otter>

--executions within a week or so after trial, unless hard evidence is presented by the defense.

<Paul>

So your advocating a system 'guilty until proven innocent'? If so, I have no further comment, because your entire argument rests on a value system that does not value the rights of an individual. Very Cardassian.

<den Otter>

--killing a cryonicist in such a way that his brain is damaged beyond any conceivable repair (i.e. burning, rotting to a pulp, exploding etc.) should be punished especially severely (slow & painful death).

<Paul>

Again, you are advocating vengeance through *torture*. How is this rational or extropian? How will torture solve the problem? Your position is becoming increasingly silly and absurd!

<den Otter>

--massive centralized surveillance system, for evidence and prevention.

<Paul>

Again, how is this extropian? Your advocating a centralized system - and who decides who will manage this system?

Paul Hughes

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