There are more ways of execution than hanging. There are humane ways of 'putting down' or 'destroying' dogs which attack children ~~ you read of such every day in the News In Brief columns.

These are merely general observations not directly related to this thread, but suggested by Jim's last post. As I have remarked on various threads many times before, I am profoundly ambivalent on the subject of capital punishment; can see, and appreciate, the arguments on both sides; believe that there should be more to the concept of punishment in general than mere deterrence, though that is clearly an important factor; and should certainly be opposed to its use in the case of any child... But in the present instance...

...as to what should have been done to Thompson & Venables: search me ~~ except they should never have been released when they were, and if we are involved in treaty obligations with the EU or whoever which necessitated such a procedure in our laws, then such treaties should be withdrawn from forthwith. The skies wouldn't fall.

~Michael~

Howdy McCormick, you silly little specimen: having a good throw-up, are we?