It is also extremely effective in reducing recidivism <s>

Actually, that's a good point.

Every years, convicted murderers wind up injuring and killing other inmates and prison workers. Sometimes convicted murderers escape.

Make no mistake - the death penalty, even the most "quiet" form of it (lethal injection), is cruel....it's vicious...and the majority of Americans still believe it's the best way to deal with those who commit 1st degree murder.