Locherbie RIP

[Alc]

Yeah, but brave because it could have ended his career! Public opinion, when you're a movie star...

His films make the majority of their money in the US. The majority of US residents asked - if the media is to be believed - seem to think that the released man should either be killed or at least stay in prison. Saying what he said isn't exactly flying in the face of public opinion. If anything, it could be viewed as jumping on a bandwagon.

Not that there is any reason at all to believe that Mr Sandler doesn't really think that way, but it would have been far braver - from a career-ruining perspective - to have publicly said that the man's conviction was questionable and he wished him no ill.

 

[oumahexi]

His films make the majority of their money in the US. The majority of US residents asked - if the media is to be believed - seem to think that the released man should either be killed or at least stay in prison. Saying what he said isn't exactly flying in the face of public opinion. If anything, it could be viewed as jumping on a bandwagon.

Not that there is any reason at all to believe that Mr Sandler doesn't really think that way, but it would have been far braver - from a career-ruining perspective - to have publicly said that the man's conviction was questionable and he wished him no ill.

I've always thought of "stars" as being prone to delivering lip service, depending on what public opinion of the current audience (in this case the UK) may be.

 

[oumahexi]

In the case of child molesters you could castrate them. My wife was puzzled to why they were only chemically castrated, as she said they could still use their hands???!?

Yeah, we should probably cut them off too. Oh but wait, that would compromise their human rights

 

[Alc]

I've always thought of "stars" as being prone to delivering lip service, depending on what public opinion of the current audience (in this case the UK) may be.

And isn't public opinion in the UK largely along the same lines? From the headlines I've seen, along with all the calls for the people responsible to explain themselves, I got the impression that most people were of the same view?

Even if it weren't, you think his comments wouldn't have made it back to the US, had he actually said anything remotely controversial?

 

[oumahexi]

And isn't public opinion in the UK largely along the same lines? From the headlines I've seen, along with all the calls for the people responsible to explain themselves, I got the impression that most people were of the same view?

Perhaps every one except the idiot Scottish Government Oh and half the people on this forum

Even if it weren't, you think his comments wouldn't have made it back to the US, had he actually said anything remotely controversial?

Of course they wouldn't, haven't you heard, there's a boycott of Scotland just now, and everyone knows that England is part of Scotland

 

[Alc]

Perhaps every one except the idiot Scottish Government Oh and half the people on this forum

Aha! He's uncovered the secret cadre of Scottish ministers who control the making of low-brow Hollywood comedies! Yes, I take it back, offending them was a brave move.

Of course they wouldn't, haven't you heard, there's a boycott of Scotland just now, and everyone knows that England is part of Scotland

Or vice-versa. As is Wales. I keep hearing that, even in Canada, so I should have learned by now

 

[Adam Caramon]

Edit:2007 Crime Rate for Texas

I'd have to do research before making this as a claim, but my gut reaction would be to say that the high number of illegal immigrants in Texas would partially account for the higher crime. Illegal immigrants typically are very poor, poor people typically are more prone to crime.

As far as the death penalty in Texas; Texas is a very conservative state. Conservatives are thought to be very 'tough' on crime. They lean more on the side of penalties for crimes rather that any attempts at rehabilitation. They think once a criminal, always a criminal and such.

 

[Rabbie]

I know exactly what you mean MailMan, and like Alane said, the British seem to think that everywhere will speak English. They do, mostly on the Continent they speak English, but why should they? Visitors should at least show that they are willing to try and speak the language of the country that is willing to offer them a living.

IMHO Simply common courtesy to try to speak the language of whichever country you live in.

It is your opinion! Save it until it changes naturally, don't ever change it on the behest of another.


You have to ask though, would a God want someone, say, harming children? Forget the eye for an eye business, psychology has shown that there are some people who, for one reason or another cannot or will not change. If you believe in God and you belive in heaven and hell, then you must believe in the devil, who's to say these people are not the devils spawn?

Thank you for summarising so well the reasons why many of us think religion just makes trouble

Welcome to the minority side Gary. I'm not convinced that people don't believe in the death penalty so much as having been brain washed with all this mamsy pamsy political correctness. If people wan to act like animals treat them that way.

I reject the death penalty not because I have been brain washed but for sound reasons.

1. You can't reverse the death penalty if you have convicted the wrong person.

2. It is a bit illogical to say "Killing people is wrong so I am going to kill you" however evil the killer is.

3. Nothing you can do can bring the victim back.

On the subject of Lockerbie it is interesting that the british father of one of the victims said he was in favour of the compassionate release before it was actually announced.

 

[oumahexi]

I'd have to do research before making this as a claim, but my gut reaction would be to say that the high number of illegal immigrants in Texas would partially account for the higher crime. Illegal immigrants typically are very poor, poor people typically are more prone to crime.

Damned poor people, always causing trouble...

 

[Rabbie]

Another reason for not bringing back the death penalty. Once we go down that route where will it stop? Burning witches??

 

[Fifty2One]

Cutting? Chemicals? How about a hammer and anvil for the physical bits - their rights went out the window once their thoughts turned to actions.

Yeah, we should probably cut them off too. Oh but wait, that would compromise their human rights

 

[Fifty2One]

If a witch kills then yes - death to the witch also. Bullet to the back of the head and harvest the usable organs, burning is messy, huge carbon footprint and it is hard to get them lit especially if you have been dunking them in the moat all morning.

Another reason for not bringing back the death penalty. Once we go down that route where will it stop? Burning witches??

 

[dan-cat]

Of course they wouldn't, haven't you heard, there's a boycott of Scotland just now, and everyone knows that England is part of Scotland

I thought this was quite an interesting piece.

 

[dan-cat]

IMHO Simply common courtesy to try to speak the language of whichever country you live in. Thank you for summarising so well the reasons why many of us think religion just makes trouble


I reject the death penalty not because I have been brain washed but for sound reasons.

1. You can't reverse the death penalty if you have convicted the wrong person.

2. It is a bit illogical to say "Killing people is wrong so I am going to kill you" however evil the killer is.

3. Nothing you can do can bring the victim back.

On the subject of Lockerbie it is interesting that the british father of one of the victims said he was in favour of the compassionate release before it was actually announced.

My reasons why are two-fold:

a) Don't ask someone to do something you wouldn't do yourself.

b) One should attempt to move away from the malice of the crime not be drawn closer to it.

 

[georgedwilkinson]

I'd have to do research before making this as a claim, but my gut reaction would be to say that the high number of illegal immigrants in Texas would partially account for the higher crime. Illegal immigrants typically are very poor, poor people typically are more prone to crime.

I was thinking the same thing.

Also, the comparison of these numbers was debunked decades ago because each state and locality has different reporting methods which can cause statistically significant data anomalies. Also, each state has different laws and may or may not report the breaking of every law.

I can say that I love living in Texas and the people that I deal with here are some of the nicest I've ever lived among.

 

[Kryst51]

I was thinking the same thing.

Also, the comparison of these numbers was debunked decades ago because each state and locality has different reporting methods which can cause statistically significant data anomalies. Also, each state has different laws and may or may not report the breaking of every law.

I can say that I love living in Texas and the people that I deal with here are some of the nicest I've ever lived among.

The numbers I posted are only from Texas, and in 2007 which was not that long ago. I just did a quick google search, and clicked on the most reputable looking web address.

I love living in Texas too! And I agree about the people. Very nice, not afraid to talk to eachother standing in line at the grocery store. Or when shopping. The men are gentlemen, mostly, open doors for a lady, etc. Such a change from the northeast.

 

[Adam Caramon]

The numbers I posted are only from Texas, and in 2007 which was not that long ago.

I think he was referring to Texas' numbers versus the national averages that you posted.

 

[Kryst51]

I think he was referring to Texas' numbers versus the national averages that you posted.

Doh! Forgot about that bit. Work has exploded, and I think my head has too along with it!

In that case, I didn't realize that about the averages. It always seems like there is so much going on behind thes scenes when wanting to know something. It figures it wouldn't be as simple as pulling numbers off a ruputable looking website.

 

[Rich]

Yeah Texas executes more people a year than China, which is in the civilised world?

 

[GaryPanic]

Another reason for not bringing back the death penalty. Once we go down that route where will it stop? Burning witches??

the vast majority of witchies in the UK were aquited ....

No capital punishiment as a menas of punishment is wrong- i don't want any retribution, but by there actions the criminals are not part of the
society - (there are exceptions) so take them out of the herd - Now i not talking about litter louts or Jay walkers ... i am talking about forceable and violent crimes ...

Locking them up - is a bit cruel (bit like keeping a bird in a small cage )
a different view on punishment needs to be adopted - punishments that suit the crime - One of the top members of Nokia's board has been handed the largest speeding fine in Finnish history.

Anssi Vanjoki was fined E116,000 (£70,000) for driving his motorbike at 75kph (46mph) in a 50kph (31mph) area.

All fines in Finland are based on how much people earn and in 1999 Vanjoki's earnings were £8.3m

i bet that annoyed him - but it was fitting
we need to take that sort of approach here in the UK