It's time we act civilized and stop executing people

[Professor]

While I'm not against the death penalty in general, I am against what just happened in Oklahoma. Having a guy convulse for 40 minutes and eventually die of a heart attack is the definition of "cruel and unusual".

It's kind of hard for me to elucidate my opinion just now, as I'm somewhat conflicted. On one hand, I have no problem with people dying for certain crimes. On the other, it happens far too often that people on death row are proven innocent years after their convictions.

[eynon81]

The morals of the DP are pretty irrelevant at this time. What has been shown over and over is that it can not be applied fairly, efficiently or responsibly in this country. We're not grown-up enough to have it.

[eynon81]

with the exception of Utah. they've shown that they're grown up enough to have it.

[Professor]

Why did we ever start down the "lethal injection" route in the first place? I get that it "might" be better than the electric chair. Or hanging. Or some other methods used previously. But, it's far from perfect.

When you cut someone's head off, there is a chance that they continue to have brain function for a while (though I doubt it - see below). If you shoot them in the head, there's a chance that the bullet may not hit anything vital and instead render them a vegetable.

So, what is the best, most sure-fire, way to kill a person? I'd say putting their head into a 10-ton press and crushing it to about 5mm thickness. We have plenty of industrial machines that would do this. So, why don't we use it?

I think it's because we (external observers, the public, etc.) don't want to deal with that imagery, the mess afterwards, etc. Therefore, I'm forced to conclude that lethal injection is not meant to be humane for the executed, but instead is meant to spare everyone else. And, that's effed up. If we, as a society, are willing to kill someone, we should have to deal with the aftermath - crushed head and all. Either that, or don't do it.

Brain function - I used to think that the brain could continue to function without oxygen or blood pumping, because people can live after not breathing or having a beating heart for minutes. However, I've been taking jiu jitsu lately, and when I'm put into a triangle hold, I lose consciousness in between 3 and 5 seconds. And, everyone we've trained with is the same in that regard.)

[Philly]

Is it possible to put yourself in a triangle hold? I've had trouble falling asleep lately.

[Professor]

[Indy]

Ahhh the triangle choke. Yeah it is pretty nasty and you describe the sensation well. It does feel worse than the rear naked or other chokes, when applied.

The one thing he's not doing which makes it extra quick is pulling the opponent's head down once he's got the legs locked--although that one is so tight I don't think it's even necessary.

[Professor]

I'm just starting out, so I've never been in it competitively. But, I know to expect it, so I had our instructor do it to me so that I would know what to expect. No kidding, it was "lights out" before I could have said "lights out".

[Mr. Shaman]

[Indy]