I’m really conflicted about the death penalty.

For one thing, I don’t think one of the firing squad shooters should have a blank – if you can’t pull the trigger believing you’re delivering the killing shot, you shouldn’t be pulling the trigger.

I also don’t like that carrying out an execution means armed (be it with rifles, ropes, electricity or drugs) good men have to kill unarmed bad men in cold blood. It seems dehumanizing and counterproductive.

I lean toward the idea that prison should be very unpleasant, and that scumbags should have to suffer it until the end of their natural lives.

On the other hand, though, it was a hell of a lot easier to hold the anti-death-penalty perspective before dealing first-hand with the senseless murder of a friend. I can think of one firing squad I’d gladly volunteer for, and believe I could sleep soundly thereafter, so perhaps there’s something to the idea of good old-fashioned vengeance.

In other news, I didn’t know until reading this article that any states still used firing squads or hangings as capital punishment. Color me enlightened.

I, having been somewhat out of the blog loop lately due to, you know, real life, had totally missed the news that Caleb was on the show. I am very much looking forward to the coffee-cup throwing challenge! ;-)

Our front door was open, so there was no ignoring her.

Census worker: I’m from the census blah blah need to ask a few questions?
The Inconvenience: Three.
CW: *eyebrow raise* Did you live here on April 1st?
TI: Yep.
CW: Can I get your names?
Me: No.
TI: Three people live here. That’s all you’re getting.
CW: How about ages? They use that information for like, uh… *uncertain pause*
Me: No. We’re not answering any more questions. Goodbye.
CW: *annoyed sigh* Okay.

I’ll note that at no time were we threatened with (or informed of, depending how you look at it) fines for not answering.

I’ll also note that The Sister and Grumple live next door in our duplex, did not answer any more questions than we did, and the census worker did NOT go to their door. I’m going to guess she’ll be back later. Government efficiency at it’s finest!

Maybe she left easily because the “Come back with a warrant.” doormat gave away our inclinations.

JUSTICE SCALIA: Is that what you are asserting here, that the States have to allow firearms?
MR. FELDMAN: No.
JUSTICE SCALIA: Is that –
MR. FELDMAN: I — I didn’t think I was.
JUSTICE SCALIA: I didn’t think so, either, so why did your last argument make any sense?