I am not sure how the punishment idea got mixed up with exection - but I don't think it belongs there. I do not support Mc Veigh's execution because I believe he needs punishment. The fact that I would like to see a meaningful punishment applied on him is a seprate matter.

I support the execution of McVeigh because it is the rite my society practices for cases of extreme transgression. This act (execution) is a ritual act designed to provide value to society as a whole, in the form of retribution. It says to the condemned, "You have committed a most grevious offense against mankind and will therefore pay mankind's ultimate price." Execution does not solve any problems, it does not make the condemned a better person (directly), it does not necessarily help the victim or victim's family (though some may feel comfort/closure). It is one of the tenets of social justice, in a society that chooses to implement it - and so far, Americans overwhelmingly believe it has value.