From: Paul Hughes (planetp@aci.net)
Date: Tue Nov 24 1998 - 23:28:03 MST
<Den Otter wrote>
I dunno whether it's Extropian (only Max knows ;-) , but it certainly
is rational. Yes. I'd like to add that IMO, the punishment should fit the
crime;
serial killers/mass murderers/people who tortured their victims etc.
should receive harsher death penalties than someone who kills
just one victim in a relatively humane way. I also support corporal
punishment for violent offenders, btw.
<Paul>
You claimed it is rational, but you have yet to demonstrate it. All you've
said is an 'eye for eye' - since when is equal or greater vengeance
rational? Vengeance is an *emotional* response, not a rational one.
<Den Otter>
Of course, the whole justice system would have to be revised
before any executions can start.
Main changes:
--no age limit
<Paul>
So your advocating that we start killing 6 year olds? How compassionate of
you!
<Den Otter>
--video/audio footage (nation-wide camera system in public
places with central databanks).
APaul>
Extropianism is about decentralizing knowledge and power. Your advocacy of
creating a centralized databank is antithetical to this.
<den Otter>
--lay juries are abolished
<Paul>
That my friend is a slippery slide towards totalitarianism. A jury of ones
peers is so fundamental to a free legal system, that any argument against it
smacks of a system ruled not by people, but by decree. Very un-extropian.
<Den Otter>
--executions within a week or so after trial, unless hard
evidence is presented by the defense.
<Paul>
So your advocating a system 'guilty until proven innocent'? If so, I have no
further comment, because your entire argument rests on a value system that
does not value the rights of an individual. Very Cardassian.
<den Otter>
--killing a cryonicist in such a way that his brain is
damaged beyond any conceivable repair (i.e. burning,
rotting to a pulp, exploding etc.) should be punished
especially severely (slow & painful death).
<Paul>
Again, you are advocating vengeance through *torture*. How is this rational
or extropian? How will torture solve the problem? Your position is becoming
increasingly silly and absurd!
<den Otter>
--massive centralized surveillance system, for evidence and prevention.
<Paul>
Again, how is this extropian? Your advocating a centralized system - and who
decides who will manage this system?
Paul Hughes
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.5 : Fri Nov 01 2002 - 14:49:51 MST