From: Max More <max@maxmore.com>
>I find the death penalty a difficult issue. Like you, Alex, I
>don't trust the state with this kind of power. Mistakes *will* be
>made. On the other hand, some people should be killed for their
>crimes, or else kept in life-long solitary confinement where they
>cannot harm again. I'm talking about multiple murderers/rapists
>who exhibit sociopathic qualities. (Think of the character
>Billy--played by the brilliant Sam Rockwell, in The Green
>Mile...) HOWEVER, looking ahead, so long as we have a death
>penalty (or for the days that I reluctantly support it), having
>perps put into suspension for 50 years would allow those who
>insist on their innocence to make a case. Of course, things never
>work out exactly as intended. Once possible side-effect would be
>(if people started taking cryonics seriously) that more appeals
>might be turned down, "since you will have a second chance
anyway".
>Even if the suspended perp is very definitely guilty (caught live
>on multiple video or independent and unimpeachable eyewitnesses)
>or no one ever can cast doubt on their guilt, I *still* would
>rather suspend them than destroy them. I'm more comfortable with
>being able to offer them the choice in the future when revival is
>possible and inexpensive: Now that we've brought you back, you
>have a choice: Either we execute you (since we can't let you run
>around freely with a destructive personality) or we can alter your
>brain just enough to ensure that you don't want to initiate
>aggression. Yes, more problems arise in that scenario, but at
>least the person is given a chance. Since I don't believe in Evil
>People (but do think that certain actions and behaviors can be
>called evil), I would rather offer someone redemption ever if they
>have done horrible things.
The death penalty is a difficult issue.
The biggest problem is that the victim is lost forever, as a result
I do not believe the killer should be allowed to live, nor be
suspended, I believe they should be treated equally with the
victim.
Contrary to popular belief, I do believe that if this is ever
impleted correctly (it has not been yet). It will have a deterent
effect, not on psychotics, but on those who kill ex-spouses for
example.
But I do not require a deterrent effect to believe it is just
punishment.
Brian
Member:
Extropy Institute, www.extropy.org
Adler Planetarium www.adlerplanetarium.org
Life Extension Foundation, www.lef.org
National Rifle Association, www.nra.org, 1.800.672.3888
Mars Society, www.marssociety.org
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