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It occurred to me last night having watched an episode of Six Feet Under that a dichotomy exists in my mind over the death penalty. I oppose the death penalty but would kill anyone that hurt my family.

Why do I oppose the death penalty?
1. I have a distrust of the State and feel that the authority to take life should not rest in its hands.
2. It fails as a deterrent, countries or states with the death penalty do not have a lower incidence of capital crimes compared to those without it. The deterrent argument is a poor one that doesn't bear up under examination.
3. I actually think that life imprisonment is a worse punishment than a quick easy exit for the criminal.

Maybe it's because I've been rereading Preacher recently but I have a strong sense of personal justice and revenge, particularly for those who wish to hurt me or my family. Actually to tell the truth I feel this strongly for my siblings but not so much for my parents. Growing up in a family of 5 kids where I'm the eldest I always felt I should be there to protect my younger brothers and sister, but my parents can look after themselves.