Yes, I made the same observation, it is interesting, but somewhat consistent - the 'get tough' attitude.
However, while what's the right punishment for a committed crime is debatable, I find it highly hypocritical to talk about ethics and compassion when you think it's ok to kill, in cold blood, countless of innocents for the 'greater good'.

>That's a good one!!! I find it very interesting that many who are posting to this thread that agree with the assumption of the title, that this is such a sad example of going soft, are also the first to post here about nuking or at the very least bombing Iran.
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>>I heard a good one yesterday...
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>>'The Republicans are deeply pro-life, but only until you are born.'.
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>>>Seen on a bumper sticker just yesterday:
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>>>Why do we kill people who kill people to show them that killing people is wrong
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>>>
>>>>>>I think we're forgetting the victims of those vicious murders. Is justice done for them if their murders live?
>>>>>
>>>>>I guess it depends on your definition of 'justice'. If you believe that kililng somebody brings justice, then you may have a point. I believe however that killing that person brings nothing more than revenge, and I don't equate revenge with justice.
>>>>
>>>>Well said. And add to it that when the state kills, it does so in the name of its citizens, making us all killers, not something I want to be.
>>>>
>>>>Tamar

Doru