Here's how we can minimize capital punishment, tasering, and other barbaric practices.

[Cyrano]

This is a weird idea, so bear with me for a moment.

Many of us are against capital punishment, tasering, life-imprisonment for a third "felony" (like shop lifting), and so much more. Yet, such things are basic beliefs to those who still think the Inquisition was just dandy, and that "police brutality" is something that only the "THEMS" complain about.

So how about if we add to every ballot in every election, a section where people state whether they are for or against issues like capital punishment, tasering, and so many other practices many find unjust and inhumane?

Simultaneously, we enact laws where only those who believe in capital punishment are subject to execution. Only those who believe in tasering are subject to being tasered. Only those who believe that smoking a joint should result in jail time are locked up, etc.

We're inventive enough for the authorities to instantly find out who is for or against whatever. And if such a system did come into being, how many modern-day barbarians would stick by their beliefs if only they were subject to the retribution they are so anxious to visit upon the "Other?"

Yeah, I'm being a bit facetious here, but if such a system existed, how long do you think it would take for the "righteous" to suddenly change their positions on such issues?

[MNDemNY]

1. Kinda like imposing "Islamic law" only on Muslims?

[Cyrano]

2. Yeah, something like that.

I know that in reality, it's not practical. But what if we lived in a world in which people had to really stand behind their own beliefs and then pay the consequences for those beliefs?

My guess is that we'd see a lot less fanaticism and perhaps even less of "man's inhumanity to man." Who knows?

[MNDemNY]

3. Sorta flies in the face of "equal justice for all" dontya think?

[Cyrano]

4. Yes, I agree.

My posting is, of course, not a serious suggestion. The idea is a parable for an action intended to bring about that elusive concept called "equal justice."

[aikoaiko]

5. And this resonates with you?

The "righteous" are already operating under the DP, life imprisonment, etc.

[BlooInBloo]

6. Sure - and we should also have Social Security only for those who want it...

... And all roads should be toll, so that only those who use it have to pay for it... And... and... and...

Sheesh.

[Cyrano]

7. Okay, never mind. That's not the point I was making, BlooInBloo. And

I guess what I was trying to say was a bit too esoteric. It was also a bit tongue-in-cheek and a trip into some fantasy land in search of "a better world," whatever that is. My bad.