Capital Punishment?

My friend, Katie, and I have been tossing the capital punishment debate back and forth for about a month now. It all started when I met her parents, and somehow we got into a heated discussion over which was right. As Christians, we should believe that all life is precious and everyone has a right to life, but at the same time, I argue that we as taxpayers should not be paying for prisoners to be staying in a reasonably comfortable environment for the rest of their days.

Since this topic has many angles, and since Katie is studying for finals with me tonight, I decided it would be fun to do a dual blogging post tonight, of me presenting my thoughts, and her presenting her own. I don't think there will ever necessarily be "common ground" between us and our ideals, but it is important to see both sides. My grandmother sent me a card once that said "When you are speaking, you are saying what you already know. When you are listening, you learn something new."

So here's my position: I do think that life is precious, but have you ever looked into the prison issue in America? Not only are jails crowded, but we are paying for people to stay in an environment that provides shelter, 3 square meals, bathrooms, access to magazines, books, and newspapers, and overall clean upkeep. This type of environment is traditionally better than most environments prison mates can find "on the outside." Although it seems inhumane, I don't see what positive outcome there is for keeping someone alive, especially if the prison mate is receiving a sentence that sets them in jail for life. Why keep feeding these people and providing space for criminals who will be serving out the rest of their days in jail? It's not that I want to disrespect these people by saying "they should die," but it is more a practical reason for our taxpayers' money and for jail space that is currently available. Especially when we do not know what is happening with the prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, our prisons will be even more crowded.

If anyone would like more information on the jail system, "Super Size Me" writer and director Morgan Spurlock spent 28 days in jail for his FX show, "30 Days." The documentary-style reality show gives statistics about the prison system and the reality of prison mates (and those who find themselves back in the system). One of his roommates while in jail was able to be released, and found himself in jail three months later. Although while in jail, the roommate said "I will never back in jail again," he repeated his offense in the real world. Also, MTV's documentary show "True Life: I'm Getting Out Of Prison" shows how hard it is to get back into the real world after spending time in prison. It is important to see what the realities of going to prison are, and once again, ignorance is not an excuse. I find that one should not just argue about a position unless they have evidence or experience to back it up. Everyone has an opinion about the right to life, but an opinion out of ignorance is not acceptable.

Katie, take it away: Abby put me on the spot but here goes. As a believer, I believe that all life is sacred. I cannot say I am pro-life in one breath and in the next voice my support of capital punishment. That would be a contradiction and therefore hypocritical. It might seem as if killing prisoners saves tax payer's money, however once you add up the outrageous legal fees from all of their appeals plus the money you are spending to keep them in prison the cost skyrockets.

What it all boils down to is the value of human life. Often we forget prisoners are people. People make mistakes. Who are we to say who lives and who deserves to die? Life is such a precious gift, how dare we try and take it from another?

Again, this is not saying that one side is wrong or right, but discussing both sides is essential to a well-rounded view on the topic. Please, give me your opinion as well. I want to hear what I or Katie have overlooked and if there is a definitive answer as to which one is right. Is there no gray area on the topic of capital punishment?