Unmasking capital punishment / Victim's kin questions poin - RESPONCE

While this article lacks any real information or statistics of any sort, I included it in my blog simply to show that opinions change and people don't have to have one opinion and refuse to look at any others. Also, Harada's statement at the end was powerful and made a point that should be recognized: nothing worthwhile comes out of an execution.

Unmasking capital punishment / Victim's kin questions poin (article#6)

This article actually appears to be two articles in one, but I am focusing on the first part which tells the story of a man (Masaharu Harada) whose brother was killed by another man (Toshihiko Hasegawa). While at first Harada is violently for the death penalty to be assigned to Hasegawa, as time goes on they begin to talk and exchange letters: Hasegawa apologizing fervently. By the end of the article Hasegawa has been assigned to capital punishment, but Harada states: "My mind changed as I became aware that nothing worthwhile could come from his execution."

Capital-Punishment Propoganda- RESPONCE

With the author of "Capital Punishment Propaganda" being for the death-penalty, it was very interesting to see how he looked at things. For example, at the bottom of the article he said "however, not everyone supports the death penalty." (meaning he assumes the reader does) which I thought was interesting seeing as all the other articles I have read have said almost the complete opposite thing. It was difficult to form an opinion of this article, seeing as it seemed almost more against the bill the commission had passed out and less against what the bill was on. The author's biggest argument was that the bill did not argue many important issues involving capital punishment. However, it seemed to me that the commission was well informed and made a good point, specifically that there is too much of a risk an innocent person would be convicted. I am intrigued as to whether the bill is going to be passed or not and will post the results as soon as they come out.

Capital-Punishment Propoganda (article#5)

The Governor of Maryland, Martin O'Malley, has tried twice to end capital punishment in Maryland, and is trying once more this year. This time, he has figured out a way to get the results he wants: by appointing a commission and making sure the majority was anti-death-penalty. Therefore, he created the Maryland Commission on Capital Punishment. The commission has just issued to end the death penalty and makes the point: "...there is an unacceptable risk that an innocent person will be executed and that it is being administered in a racially discriminatory way." However, the author of the article is for the death penalty, and argues that the commission in no way offers any alternative, nor does it address the fact that some argue lethal injection is as morally unjust as the electric chair.

Hey Phoebe! There was an article in the Portland Press Herald about a man who was sentenced to death for a crime he did. I didn't read it, but you might want to. It was printed on Friday December 19, 2008.

Thanks, Jeanette! I'll look into that. :] -Phoebe

Executions drop to a 14-year low in 2008- RESPONCE

I was very excited about this article because I am always interested in current events and the economy is one of the most controversial issues facing the world today. This article talks about how the death penalty is becoming less and less popular and suggested that one of the reasons might be the economy.
In California, the death penalty system costs more than 100,000,000 dollars a year! People are beginning to ask whether this is the way we should be spending our money.

Executions drop to a 14-year low in 2008 (article#4)

The death penalty has becoming increasingly unpopular in recent years, dropping to an all-time low of 37 nationwide in 2008. This article reflects upon reasons why and brings up the interesting and controversial point of cost: "A California state commission reported in June that its death penalty system costs more than $100 million a year to administer." And how this relates to the current economy.

Samara's Response

Phoebe, capital punishment is scary!! I think your start so far is great. The articles are very controversial and provoking. It makes me sad that they would convict minors. Isn't that against the law?? I don't know. ... That's not right, no matter what the crime. They should go to a therapy type setting to alter there behaviour so they won't commit crimes. Keep up the good work!!

Alex Hadik- Blog Comment

Phoebe-
You have some great research here however I have a couple pressing comments and questions.
First off, I am confused as to how you are arranging your comments and your notes. I have not been able to clearly differentiate between pure notes and the notes with your comments weaved in. Just stating that. It might help you down the road to have that more clearly defined.
Secondly, you seem to be very vocally voicing your own opinion on this matter. That is great that you feel so strongly about this topic however I find that having such a biased opinion of the research I find can significantly affect how I interpret the information. I know of many good arguments, some of which I personally agree with, that are in support of the death penalty or an option very close to it. I'm not hating, I am just saying that you might be able to better interpret the information and arguments if you do not immediately classify them as something you support or don't. Also, perhaps clarify your reasoning in your notes- Why do you hate it. What about it is bad. What are the alternatives. What are the drawbacks of them? Is prison life better than death, who is to say? Perhaps just keep that in mind.
Other than that, this is excellent research!

Alex G. responce #2

Phoebeee !
This is such a cool topic. I don't know too much much about it, or death penalties, but it makes me really interested to learn about it. I loved reading your responses to the articles, and how you thought it was good to know both sides of the stories. I also loved how each of your articles were different variety.
(:

Phoebe, this is such an interesting topic! I just got back from the HMUN trip where I sat in the Social, Humanitarian and cultural committee, and the two pain topics were Polygamy and Death Penalty. I know a great deal on the Death Penalty. The death penalty is a very large topic of controversy in individual countries as well as in the United Nations as a violation of human rights. And you should take religion into consideration, in the Koran, the death penalty is permitted! So maybe you should weive religion in somewhere.

A good variety of articles. . .

Phoebe - Nice job with the citations!!!!! and - I like the fact that your articles are all different. Look on the Opposing Viewpoints database - I would think that a large number of articles would be available - both pro and con.

An Uneven Case Against the Death Penalty- RESPONCE

I found this article refreshingly strait forward to read, as it did not drag on for a long time repeating ideas and being redundant. In fact, it was completely the opposite, managing to make an entire thesis, middle, and effective end in only about four paragraphs, each consisting of little more than a sentence each.
The three points that the author seemed to want to bring across were these:
1. Capital Punishment is being given up because it does not deter Capital Crimes, but there is no proof that lifelong imprisonment accomplishes anything either.
2. Capital Punishment can drag on and impede upon the well-being of the other members of the convict's family, but who's to say that lifelong imprisonment does the same thing?
3. Racial discrimination.
This was all new ideas to me, so I was pleased when I found that I had at least one more argument against the death penalty, but I also found two arguments FOR the death penalty, which I am actually glad to have. I believe it's important to know both sides of the story.

An Uneven Case Against the Death Penalty (article#3)

In just a few brief paragraphs, the author of this article summarizes some arguments both for and against capital punishment.