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Before our class discussion on the death penalty, I never thought about having an opinion on whether it was an unjust or just action for the state to kill people legally. But now, I am no longer neutral, I believe it is unjust. I do not believe any person should voluntarily take the life of another person, unless necessary for survival. As the readings we did on the death penalty implied- A life can not be replaced. I do not care how short or long a life time ranges, the memories, thoughts and actions can never be exactly replicated. We all take a variety of journeys. We all have distinctive spiritual and physical traits. We all are made unique enough where another “us” can never be exactly copied.
I can understand the anger and bitterness families hold realizing their loved ones died at the hands of a murder. But I do not understand how two evils can make a right. I do not see the victory in seeing another person die. A person is not getting justice when the state approves of a death penalty. A person is getting a temporary bandage on a wound that might never heal. It is not healed because of the difficulty to find peace in an outcome one felt helpless, lacking control of the situation.
Why hurt because you have been hurt? I can never understand that. I feel if I physically inflicted pain on another person intentionally, my action would disturb me. I hope it will halt me before I did too much harm. But then again, what is too much harm? Is harm in itself too much? Does it matter, the degree of pain we inflict on one another? Pain comes in all forms and levels. It leaves visible and invisible scars. It allows horrible cycles of cruelty to continue and be accepted as a way of life and not a choice of life. Our oppressive roles to another allow this continuous cycle of suffering. But I wonder is it out of habit? Can we change? Can we stop inflicting pain if we try? I do not know. I just know a life is a life, and it should be valued.