Today in class, we discussed the death penalty. As I was driving home, listening to the radio (AM 780) they were talking about Brian Dugan, who, after spending 20 years in jail would now be going on death row. Click here for the text version
Dugan is charged with the murder and rape of a 10 year old girl in 1983, as well as two other murders of under-12 year old girls. While this is a horrific and disgusting tragedy, what stuck out the most to me is that one of the people they were interviewing said that Dugan was "incapable of feelings, so we don't really know how he feels about this." If you follow the link above, you'll see a picture of Dugan. He looks like the typical creep, with his wierd, almost smiling eyes. But is any human truly incapable of feelings?
In my opinion, I think Dugan deserves the death penalty because it is clear that he is guilty of a heinous crime. But I thought the death penalty was illegal in Illinois-- in fact, WBBM's website has another story dating from January about the expensiveness of the death penalty, which I know Maeli brought up in class today. The reasons given could have been for anything-- it was about the economics, not the morality. I read in one book (I think the Count of Monte Cristo) that it is morally unjust for people to assign the death penalty, because of religious reasons-- we are not God.
So when is the death penalty okay? Where can we draw the line?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tot tot-ing teens
Tot--- too old to-- Trick or treat?
The Chicago Trib had an article this week that my mom un-subtly put on the kitchen table where I was doing my homework (thanks, Mom.). It discussed when you are too old to "go door to door, begging for candy." First off, begging is a little harsh. It's more of asking, in an obnoxious manner and tone.
I love trick or treating, mostly because I love candy. But when my friends and I went this year, we didn't act as most people expect "hooligan teenagers" to act--if there wasn't enough candy for everyone, we skipped that house. And we never took more than what they said. We stuck to the parameters of the times set up by the Wilmette Park District. So if we weren't the bad kids, why can't we trick or treat? At what age is this not okay? We talked in class about the developing brain-- is this something too "immature"-- asking for free candy? Seems pretty smart to me- very little risk involved, awesome costumes... So I say why not. Why don't we go trick or treatin
The Chicago Trib had an article this week that my mom un-subtly put on the kitchen table where I was doing my homework (thanks, Mom.). It discussed when you are too old to "go door to door, begging for candy." First off, begging is a little harsh. It's more of asking, in an obnoxious manner and tone.
I love trick or treating, mostly because I love candy. But when my friends and I went this year, we didn't act as most people expect "hooligan teenagers" to act--if there wasn't enough candy for everyone, we skipped that house. And we never took more than what they said. We stuck to the parameters of the times set up by the Wilmette Park District. So if we weren't the bad kids, why can't we trick or treat? At what age is this not okay? We talked in class about the developing brain-- is this something too "immature"-- asking for free candy? Seems pretty smart to me- very little risk involved, awesome costumes... So I say why not. Why don't we go trick or treatin
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)