First of all, murder has to do with intent. Even our laws have definitions for killers. You can be sued for negligence, criminal negligence, degrees of manslaughter, and degrees of murder. Besides which we have things like aiding and abetting, being an accomplice, etc...

I don't believe the death penalty is necessary anymore, but I most certainly don't accuse those that do of having murderous intent. In the past, I supported the death-penalty; then I tried to imagine being the one to 'pull the switch', and I knew I couldn't bear to carry that moral responsibility. Thus I decided that deep down I must believe it is wrong.

Those who vote for the death penalty have searched their souls, and come up with a different answer. Maybe they looked to the Old Testament, where God is smiting people left and right for their evil ways, and decided that if God felt it was a just punishment for the horrific sin of taking a life, then it is a fair punishment for those who have total disrespect for God, man, and society.

They kill, but they don't murder. They are killing in self-defense for the life of society, for those who were unable to defend themselves. To ascribe criminal motives to those sworn to uphold the rights to Life, Liberty and Happiness is short-sighted and mean-spirited. Just as each of us has the free will to decide what is ethical and right, so do those who believe the death penalty is a just and moral end for those who have disregarded for one of the most intrinsic right of all; the right to be innocent until proven guilty.

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