Quote Originally Posted by MMI View Post
I have argued on these threads that countries that do not have the death penalty are in some way better than those that do; I would write smug messages asserting that the British or European approach to crimes of violence - particularly murder - demonstrates a higher level of civilisation which should be emulated by all other countries, and I would hear no rebuttal. I was right and I knew it. But now I see that Britain is no better, no safer, no more peaceful than anywhere else, rather, it is worse, more dangerous, and more violent than most places, and I ask myself if the death penalty really is the answer.
Despite my being an advocate for the death penalty, I can honestly say that, No, the death penalty is not the answer. It is only a small part of the answer. While it may seem inhumane to some, I think you may be learning that there are some people for whom the only true defense for society is the death penalty.

Instinctively, I still feel it is wrong, and I still feel it reflects a higher level of social standards not to have the death penalty than to have it ... but just because most of us behave one way, there's no proof that it will make others, who are less inclined to, behave the same way.
There is ample evidence that the death penalty is not a valid deterrent to violent crimes. Most such crimes are done in the heat of passion, with little or no thought given to punishment. The only true justification I can give for having it is that it eliminates the possibility of a truly dangerous person ever committing another crime. Far too often people who are given a life sentence are released for "good behavior" and allowed back into society. Perhaps most will not relapse. But it only takes one.

So, if GB is such a violent place to live in, and guns and other weapons are strictly controlled, how can we protect ourselves?
This is the core of the problem, I believe. You really can't protect yourselves. I have seen reports of victims trying to defend themselves against criminals receiving higher penalties than the criminals. That's not justice!

I don't think there is any popular desire for guns to be de-regulated so we can protect ourselves, and I don't think there is enough evidence to support the re-introduction of the death penalty. What other options are there?
Surprisingly, the answer actually is in deregulation. In those areas of the US where people are able to get licenses to carry concealed weapons, street crimes are down, as are home invasions. When the criminals don't know if they are going to be met by meek victims or armed defense, they think twice about committing the crimes. I think you'll find that the great majority of gun crimes committed in the major cities of the US are gang and drug related. Sadly, too many of their victims are innocent bystanders, but few law-abiding citizens will mourn the deaths of drug dealers.

A well-armed, and well-trained, citizenry can do more to cut down on violent crimes than anything else, surprisingly. With few exceptions, the store owner who shoots the person trying to rob his store will be far less likely to have to shoot anyone else once the word gets around.

I am sorry to hear about your crisis of faith, though, MMI. I'll try not to say, "I told you so."