If we’re going to do death sentences at all, they should generally be done publicly. Amongst hunters there’s a common disdain for people who wince at the thought of shooting Bambi, but are happy to buy meat at the grocery store. Public executions are kind of like that. Many Americans want criminals to be “taken care of,” but it has to be done far away, in a clinical manner, where we don’t have to confront the reality of what occurs. You may tell yourself that the modern approach is nicer, and more merciful. But really, you prefer it because it doesn’t make you feel as uncomfortable. In the old American way doing things, the criminal often had a chance to give last words. Perhaps ask people forgiveness, or say a final, desperate prayer. Often a minister would attend, and say - without irony - “May God have mercy on your soul.” It was a public ritual that respected the gravity of sending a soul to eternity. It gave satisfaction to directly aggrieved parties. It gave broader reassurance in the rule of law. And yes, it deterred would-be criminals. Which approach seems more humane?

There’s a lot of courage in this video. @WilliamWolfe, for speaking bluntly about the New Right and American/Israeli relations. @NatConTalk, for platforming him, @AmandaMilius, @L0m3z and @docMJP. This is what adult coalitional behavior looks like. We need a lot more of it!