Oh yeah? How about in a war? How about if someone is threatening to kill or maim you or a loved one or someone down the street and you're pretty sure he's going to act on those threats?

Poor argument in any discussion on capital punishment. I'm afraid. I would, and have, acted in a violent and uncharacteristic manner when in a threatening situation.

When it is a judge safe on his bench it is a far cry from someone in that life or death situation though. I don't think anyone would deny you the right to defend yourself. Why, though, would anyone feel the right to defend themselves by killing someone in cold blood?

Please don't misunderstand. I agree that we need defending from killers, rapists and a whole host of other criminals (including spam emailers!) but at the end of the day, death is a pretty unforgiving form of protection.

DtG