Life verses Death You listen to the speeches, they draw up the ballot, and you vote. Simple you say? I hope you don t. The matter always depends on what is on that ballot. What if the ballot read: Should the Death Penalty be used to dispose of harmful criminals? Having a hard time on which box to check? Have you ever realized the irony involved when a convicted criminal is put to death? Most of the supports see this, and delight in the "eye for an eye" mentality. Personally, I tend to disagree with the eye analogy. In making my conclusion, I believe that my religion, my family, and my goals for the future have contributed it.My religion is a major part of my life. It is a wall that I continually lean upon. A wise man once said, "See that coat on the wall? It isn t against the wall all by itself, something is holding it up, something not seen. Just like that coat, our world needs something to hold it up, something not seen, something I like to call God." I only quote this man because he explains that my religion is something that the rest of my life revolves around. I understand that God is at the root of everything. That is why when the church stresses that life should be valued at all cost no matter the productivity or annoyance it may bring. I for this reason can t not morally condone the death penalty. My family has also effected the way I see things. My family ever since I was a small child has taught me that killing is wrong. I know the commandment, "Thou shalt not kill." I love my family because they taught me how to love. I feel obligated to extend this love, so that I can respect others. I fail to see how I am respecting others if I am killing off people we feel are beyond hope. How come it is okay to kill someone, when we are punishing them for killing someone. I know they say an "eye for an eye", but I also say that "two wrongs don t make a right." the death penalty is a very hypocritical thing.

My goals also instill in me that idea that I shouldn t condone things I find unsuitable for myself. I want to have a future, so why should I deprive a human of theirs. If I follow my goals, I will stand up for what I believe in. I am highly conservative in my morals, and aspiration. It is through my goals that I develop my own family and continue my religion. My goals are something that I believe lead right to my soul. It is in my soul that I find this answer, and I must check the box no. In looking over the ballot, consider you family, goals, and even your religion. In doing this, you unfold the dark secret that so many never find, and that is the sanctity of the human heart welded for the "Love" for life by slmbowdren@fuse.net