Oslo bombing and Utoya massacre, Norway.

[Hannahrain]

I still think it feels like a lot to wrestle with. But now that I think about it, I'm not really sure there's a single one of history's monsters I wouldn't have a candid conversation with if the opportunity arose.

[MoSetsfire]

I still think it feels like a lot to wrestle with. But now that I think about it, I'm not really sure there's a single one of history's monsters I wouldn't have a candid conversation with if the opportunity arose.

/signed. If I had to pick one though, I think I would like to talk to Joseph Stalin, or Ariel Sharon (I get to some he may not be a monster, but to a Lebanese person, he is definitely a villain)

[jackstraw94086]

Stalin was possibly the most depraved and most completely morally bankrupt human being of the 20th century.
And that would include Hitler, who's sociopathology might rival Stalin's in some respects, but at least he had some principles that drove his behavior.

At least there were some people that loved Hitler.

[fikus222]

Don't overlook Mao tse Tung. In addition to being a muderer, he was also a pedophile who defiled a new young girl every night.

[jackstraw94086]

The pedophilia is disgusting, but I'm not sure anyone can match Stalin as far as ambition and complete and total disregard for human suffering.

but for argument's sake, how young we talkin'?

[fikus222]

Hmm, it appears Mao defiled 14 year virgins against their will. So, technically not a pedophile.

[PlayaDelWes]

Is this guy in the penpal database yet?

[amyzzz]

Hmm, it appears Mao defiled 14 year virgins against their will. So, technically not a pedophile.

What is your definition of a pedophile???

[jackstraw94086]

You don't know about the theory?

[TomAz]

What is your definition of a pedophile???

Amy, I believe the standard accepted definition of pedophile is an adult having sex with a child who has not yet reached puberty. The notion of childhood extending past puberty is an industrial revolution social construct and not based on biology.

[Gribbz]

Norway killer Anders Breivik ruled sane, given 21-year prison term

http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/24/world/...html?hpt=hp_t1

[lt.roast.a.botch]

The most noticeable difference between our common law and the majority of the world's civil law system

[nathanfairchild]

does Norway not have a life sentence?

[Miroir Noir]

The United States of America imprisons far too many people on prison terms that are far too long. We ought to join the rest of the civilized world and abolish the death penalty.

Having said that, this situation is totally fucking nuts.

[Robin]

does Norway not have a life sentence?

"The sentence could be extended, potentially indefinitely, in the future if he is considered still to pose a threat to society. Norway does not have the death penalty."

[TomAz]

"Norway does not have the death penalty."

[Gribbz]

does Norway not have a life sentence?

A lot of countries don't. I posted an article earlier in this thread about a serial killer named Pedro Lopez. Lopez confessed to killing/raping 300+ children and was released after 16 years because "life sentences" don't exist in South America. Swell.

[shoegazer76]

Somebody kills 300 children and you think when they get out that theyre going to be free to walk the streets?
You think authorities would take the time to investigate the murder of sombody who committed those atrocities?

[Gribbz]

Somebody kills 300 children and you think when they get out that theyre going to be free to walk the streets?
You think authorities would take the time to investigate the murder of sombody who committed those atrocities?

What? Authorities have no idea where he is currently.

[shoegazer76]

As far as Norway goes watch the documentary "Until The Light Takes Us" about the birth of Norwegian black Metal and the church burning of ancient churches & murder. If I remember right the ringleader got only 35 years.

[stinkbutt]

Varg got 21 years, the maximum sentence in Norway

[Somewhat Damaged]

The United States of America imprisons far too many people on prison terms that are far too long. We ought to join the rest of the civilized world and abolish the death penalty.

Having said that, this situation is totally fucking nuts.

Probably the last vestige of my time as a Republican ('98-'02) is the feeling that the death penalty should continue being utilized. I think its application should be severely curtailed so that the potential for an innocent person being executed is completely eliminated, but in cases where the killer's guilt is undeniable -- Anders Breivik, Pedro Morales, Ted Bundy -- then the death penalty should be used in a preventative capacity. The person would most likely pose a threat to more people's lives given the opportunity in the future; if Pedro Morales is ever found again, I would imagine he'll have added to his body count. And though Ted Bundy had to escape from a courthouse (if I recall correctly) before going on his final spree, if he had been executed prior to that, those additional murders wouldn't have occurred. This would also require a change in the appeals process so that the cost of executing a person isn't more expensive than imposing a life sentence. Reduce the number of appeals that can be made. But again, only in cases where the conviction is based on ironclad proof (i.e. video evidence, multiple reliable eyewitness accounts, confessions given not under duress).

[faxman75]

Illinois put a moratorium on the death penalty in 2000. They abolished the death penalty last year. Texas exucuted a man with an IQ under 70 recently. That's just plain wrong.

[Somewhat Damaged]

I agree. Under my proposal, people like him wouldn't be executed.