06-28-2011, 05:50 AM
Jack, I think you're missing one vital point.
Jail is not about protecting anyone from anything. It's a punitive measure. Punishment -- the consequence for using free will to break the laws of society. Without consequence, there is no deterrent. This man knew exactly what his punishment would be should he get caught. He was mentally disturbed, but not irrational or stupid. He knew, and he chose. He still knows.
And he gave up his right to be treated as a member of society when he broke those laws. Some may say he gave up his right to be treated as a member of the human race, so appalling were his crimes. Do not torture him, certainly -- but don't allow him the right to make a single choice for himself, ever again.
Jail is not about protecting anyone from anything. It's a punitive measure. Punishment -- the consequence for using free will to break the laws of society. Without consequence, there is no deterrent. This man knew exactly what his punishment would be should he get caught. He was mentally disturbed, but not irrational or stupid. He knew, and he chose. He still knows.
And he gave up his right to be treated as a member of society when he broke those laws. Some may say he gave up his right to be treated as a member of the human race, so appalling were his crimes. Do not torture him, certainly -- but don't allow him the right to make a single choice for himself, ever again.
It could be worse