Is a society just if it values the life of a murderer more than the mutilated victim of the murderer? Is it just to sentence a criminal to three meals a day and cable TV for raping and dismembering a child? Is it just to let the relatives of a victim and the community at large know that the criminal is alive and well and waiting for freedom? Without the death penalty, there is no justice for the most horrible crimes; instead there is only the enemy within - stupidity.

on the other hand, the death penalty is not required for justice. The death penalty does not deter murderers. People do not refrain from murder because they are scared of the Chair, they refrain because they know that murder is immoral. Is the death penalty really the worst punishment; why give the murderer an easy escape from a lifetime of temporal suffering such as deep depression and endless anxiety. Finally, should the government really be trusted with the death penalty? Can we count on the government to be moral in carrying out executions? After all, the government botches up most things from time to time. Isn't it then a certainty that the government will end up executing innocents from time to time. Is the death of one innocent worth the deaths of a thousand guilty "Wogers?"

The chairman, who will defend a criminal for a price, has called for a debate to settle the question:

Resolved: The death penalty is required for justice

The Debate will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2003 at the University Club, 420 Summit Avenue, in Saint Paul. The Chancellor will preside over drinks beginning at seven o'clock p.m. The debate will begin at half past seven. While there is no dress code for attendance, gentlemen who wish to speak must wear a tie; ladies should adhere to a similar sartorial standard. For those gentlemen who arrive tieless yet wish to speak, fret not: the Purveyor of Ties will keep on hand at least one of his quite remarkable ties for just such an eventuality. Questions about debate caucus procedures or about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at 952-546-3513 or the Secretary at (952) 937-7630.

If you would like to receive email announcements of upcoming debates, email the John Adams Society with your name, email address, and a simple statement requesting future "Whip Sheets" via email.