There are many of us here in the US that are opposed not only the death penalty but also to the US's policy of military aggression, the recent invasions of Iraq & Afghanistan, Abu Grahib & Guantanamo, rendition & torture. It may not seem that way to outsiders but we fight an uphill battle. The government doesn't want it's own citizens to know that there is opposition to their policies never mind the rest of the world that they could care less about. Look at the present hype about how the citizens voted for more troops in the support of the present troops in Iraq. Look at the laws being passed to quite the outspoken. The majority of the nation voted against the war & for it's end. Please do not paint us all with the same brush, though I understand why you might. Even though our law of the land calls for an armed overthrow when & if it's not ruled by & for it's people, it's people doesn't have anymore what it's founders had, brains, balls & prince-ables. Yes, we've had it good for so long that it's really hard to fight it & there are still as much to fight for as there is to fight against.
There are two things going on here, 1 when you controll the thinking of people you don't need to worry about their actions & 2 an oppressed people won't fight back as long as there's a glimmer of hope. Both of these are changing lately.

None are guilty of the sins of their fathers, unless they repeat the sins.

Many nations, kingdoms & empires were founded & built upon the trampled human & civil rights of others as well as their own & there are only a few that can be proud that they didn't. So we may be one of the more recent but we are not at all alone.

Barry