I have been anti death penalty as long as I can remember, it is one of my most consistent beliefs.

[Augiedog]

I never thought anything could change my opinion about that. If you sentence someone to life in prison for whatever act they committed, they are by definition no longer a threat to society. There simply is no reason to kill them. Unless of course you are into vengeance, or take gleeful relish in the prospect of thrill killing for the sake of killing.

This morning I saw on the news that the National Guard is authorized to use deadly force in Washington D.C. I am a Vietnam vet and I understand the disaster that combat is. I find myself relieved that these Guardsmen and women are authorized to use deadly force.

It’s clear that we have a violent terrorist element in this nation that would change our governing principles and structure from one of “we the people” to do what I say or I will kill you. This is called tyrannical dictatorship. That is what they have in mind for us. A few thousand terrorists are going to decide for 320 million Americans their form of governance. They have declared war, or jihad, on us.

This is beyond the remedy of putting someone in prison, this requires the most extreme form of response. We never hesitated when the twin towers were destroyed. We must not hesitate here. These terrorists will not stop until they have wrecked America and reformed it into the fascist demagogic dictatorship they envision.

I am saddened that my belief of not supporting the death penalty has been so challenged. I do not want to see Americans killed because they disagree with me. But they have made themselves an existential threat to our society as a whole. Sometimes you just have to suck it up and do the hard thing. If the terrorists attack again, I am glad that the National Guard has the ability to protect themselves and our nation.

[themaguffin]

1. I agree and on many levels, the restraint last week was good, but next week and beyond, it might

need to be more forceful to demonstrate that this is the response to such actions.

There is no room for appeasement.

[liberalmuse]

2. They need to draw a line

Or put up a barricade with a warning that whomever crosses it will be subject to deadly force like they do at Area 51. You cross that line, you get shot. I find myself understanding more and more why treason used to be punishable by death. These people are dangerous. They are poison to a free society. They have no honor.

[BComplex]

3. It's a war, Augiedog. The nazis are at our own doorstep.

It's not like Capital Punishment. It's war to save our democracy.

[mopinko]

4. i hear ya.

we cant let these traitors have 3 hots and a cot to write their manifestos.

[vlyons]

5. I also am opposed to the death penalty

Death is a too easy out for monsters, who commit death penalty offenses. It's much better to let them spend life in prison, which at least creates the opportunity for them to have an epiphany and realize what they have done and repent.

Milerepa the great Tibetan Buddhist yogi and saint was a pretty dreadful guy and murderer. Yet through his own efforts and the care of his teacher Marpa, the Translator, Milerepa was able to achieve enlightenment in one lifetime.

I don't have a problem with the Natl Guard having shoot to kill permission. It might prevent someone igniting a bomb that would kill many people.

[hlthe2b]

6. Opposing the death penalty after judicial process shoulld not be equated to issues of self-defense

& defense of others. My first writing award in junior high was a treatise on my opposition to the death penalty. I've never wavered. That said, I in no way connect the defense of the country, oneself, or your fellow Americans with the death penalty.

[gibraltar72]

7. I am there also. It has been my long held belief, but

I do believe what Trump and allies have done merits death sentence. A message has to be sent to the next wannabe dictators. Some actions against ones own country can only be answered one way.

[dreamland]

8. They said that they're willing to die for pRump, don't feel badly

We would be granting their last wish. I've already justified myself for having the death penalty compared to lifetime incarceration. No death is a good death, unless it eases the suffering if others.

[Fresh_Start]

9. I've been anti death penalty also...with one exception instigating a war

which is what this group of idiots was trying to do.
So I'm finding myself uncharacteristically blood thirsty

[Gore1FL]

10. I am against the death penalty, but I support the use of deadly force in self defense

I hope that if there are attacks, the loss of life is minimal and the length of prisons sentences are long.

I have put my beloved pets to sleep. I watched my mother in hospice, Those deaths were escapes of unjust miseries.

I don't want these bastards to get a "get-out-of-jail-free card." I want them to live a lifetime of regret and misery.