Stardate 20020828.0801

(On Screen): Whatever else one might argue about the death penalty for certain crimes, I think that deep down one of the reasons proponents like it is that it is irrevocable. (Those who oppose the death penalty hate it for the same reason.)

At a certain point, I think there's a tendency in any discussion on any issue to begin to feel like screaming, "SHUT UP, ALREADY!" at the other side. In the case of punishment for certain crimes, listening to endless demands for appeals and new trials, you'd scream "SHUT UP!" zorch!! and let Old Sparky have the last word.

I would hope that good people would try to avoid giving in to that, but it's a natural impulse, and right now I'm feeling the same thing about Iraq. One reason I wish we'd start the war there is so that all of the world's whiners leaders would stick a fucking sock in it.