And people always discount the deterrent value of a righteous death swiftly delivered to someone who truly earned it, but it’s a real thing.
Yes, it's a real thing. I'm just not comfortable with it being so. The punishment should never be about "deterrence" or recidivism or other things. It should only be that "necessary and sufficient" measure of justice, for the crime committed. Still I accept the reality that is is a deterrant in most cases, but I think we're only talking about the "riff/raff." People who are Hell bent on killing are going to do so anyway, regardless of the penalty. History has taught us that. Consider the most recent terrorist/mass killers that blow away 10-15 victims and then take their own life before LE can stop/arrest them.
Sadly, we’ll see the deterrent value of Charlie’s death too… I know a lot of folks, especially pundits, are saying this event has galvanized their resolve, but there’s 100 people for every one of them who are now gonna think twice before speaking their mind in public over the fear of not knowing if some lunatic is behind them just waiting for a reason to act out.
The victory will come for Charlie when people like him are not afraid to speak out in public again.
I’d like to think I’m in the camp of the former, but TBH, will be checking out everyone around me before I speak my mind.
Oh Hell, I do that all the time now, when I consider posting something (or not) on the Hide!
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