Sometimes I feel the calling of the darkside.

[Axxon]

I have always been an opponent of capital punishment. I'm against it for a lot of reasons and I really don't want this thread to be another pro/con as we've hashed that issue out on this board although not recently.

The thing is, it's one of the issues that I've never wavered on in my life. I've tried to use different logic and reasoning to explain to myself why this issue is so important to me and why I consider death such a loss that I don't want to see life ended forcefully and prematurely from the vilest of people to the most insignificant of insects ( I don't kill them voluntarily but I don't freak out if I kill them ).

The closest thing I can get to a reason that I feel this way is because I don't understand life and while I often don't like what I see, I'm like a voyeur and enjoy seeing it. We all are to some degree and I don't mean visually seeing graphic stuff I mean just knowing it happens in general and realizing just how varied experiences are and just how potent and vibrant and out of control the entire spectrum of life is, warts and all.

I'm like a scientist albeit without employing any scientific method or testing any particular theory so I guess I'm really not like a scientist at all. I don't know what to call what I am but I know it isn't compassion or mercy or sympathy I feel when something dies its more like I feel a loss. The world seems to be a smaller place. I don't know.

Well, my coworker was reading an anti capital punishment web site so I decided to check it out. The first thing I pull up is this.

Not For the Faint of Heart (http://ccadp.org/domingocantu.htm)

Man, words cannot describe this. They really can't.

First, what the hell are they thinking? If one is trying to be anti capital punishment could they pick a worse poster boy? I can't see how this guys story can possibly engender compassion or convince anyone on the fence that capital punishment is wrong?

Second, how sick is this?


But, perhaps - even if Domingo knew he was guilty - and grasping at straws - you have put a memory of a loving, caring individual in his mind for his last walk. You have shown him that there is mercy, forgiveness, love and kindness - as have so many others. Do not give up your compassion - the world needs so many more people like you

I admit that I don't get it.

For me, it tests MY beliefs. It doesn't change them but to tell you the truth I'm glad he's gone. I don't feel any loss of anything though. I'm not exactly GLAD but his nonexistence seems a good thing even if I disagree with the means. I guess some things just aren't meant to be voyeured. This is simply bad to the bone.

I'll continue to have my beliefs of course and I respect your right to have yours but for now, I can't stand here and defend mine or take my normally dim view of those whose views differ. I think I've almost met the point where our opinions can agree but you must admit it's one hell of a far point.

Well, I'm off now. I wonder what kind of other sick bastards this site is trying to save. :)

[SackAttack]

I think I'm most astonished by the words Unfortunately, DNA results came back positive, and a stay was not granted.

Now, I can see - not agree with, but see - where somebody might think it's unfortunate that the results came back positive. Unfortunate for those who put their efforts into trying to exonerate him, certainly. Unfortunate for Cantu himself, absolutely.


But...if he was guilty - and the evidence says he was - why is it unfortunate that a stay wasn't granted despite the conclusion of the evidence? That's the part I don't get.

[Edit to fix my was/wasn't goof]

[Axxon]

I know what you mean. This whole website puts the oddest spin on all the cases. At least in most of the ones I've been reading though there are procedural issues, or inadequate council or witnessess/evidence that came up too late or something to warrant leniency.

This case though, nothing. Nada. Simply the readers own views of capital punishment which is fine but does nothing to advance the cause as it's only preaching to the choir. No one in their right mind who supports capital punishment is going to be swayed away from that view by reading this.

In this case, the choir doesn't care to hear the sermon.

It seems too odd to be real but it does make for fascinating reading. I'm glad they put the site up but that initial read was really rough.

[Axxon]

Now, my REALLY REALLY REALLY sick side imagines their brief conversation.

Cantu!!!

Cannot!!!

Cantu!!!!

Cannot!!!!!!!

CANTU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


AARRGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Ok, I'll book my reservations in hell ASAP.

Everybody tells me I'm not right and I'm starting to believe them. :)