[Giancarlo]

Originally Posted by Vortex

They still do make up the majority don't they? Now I readily agree with you that the laws do not always reflect these beliefs, but the death penalty and war don't in my mind reflect Christian beliefs either, but yet we have them.

I would sure hope that would you recognize that this is a secular society. Maybe it is difficult to recognize that with the present administration, but that is the way it is.

Criminal penalties(inprisionment, death penalty) in our society are not meant to resolve criminal problems within society. They are a means of retribution, and satisfying high emotions. Making us feel better about ourselves because "we've fixed the criminal problem" or "they are getting what they deserve" but yet they still exist. Crime can only really be resolved through both economic and social reform, but that raises too many questions so lets just throw them in jail and be done with it. But are we ever done with it?

Imprisionment and the death penalty are not retribution, they are punishment. And yes they do solve something. They keep the person off the streets. That simple. I don't know what is so difficult to understand about that. It isn't meant to change anyone else, but just keep the person off the street. Crime can be solved through a variety of a methods, and more law and order is one of them. This is proven by Colombia, where the crime rate has dramatically dropped because of both improving law and order and economic conditions. So to say that only economic and social reform will fix things is wrong.

I know I used your quote to start off my post, it was really just a jumping point for what I wanted to express. I was really addressing everyone and everything in my post was NOT meant to be directed at you personally. I'm sorry if this is the impression you got.

You were misquoting me and misstating what I said for one thing. I really don't appreciate that.