The best thing that could happen in regards to this stunning move, is that the debate on the death penalty in US be reopened, and we once again be allowed to join the civilized world on the issue. Right now, we look a bit like the Taliban down in Texas.

I think religion definitely needs to be left out of the debate though. I think we need to stick to the things we as a society can agree about. We need to examine what the reasons and justifications are for having a death penalty, and then decide on whether those reasons and justifications are legitimate and applicable.

I can think of only two reasons and justification to exercise the death penalty. First is vengeance. Second is deterrence. Is there a third?