SENTENCING: “Cruel and unusual” to whom?

Let me get this straight: Cruel and unusual punishment seems to be directed to prisoners who have been duly convicted of their crimes. My question is, what is their punishment? I understand a prescribed length of incarceration. But does that have to include a sunroom (which I do not have), a weight room (which I do not have), a library (which I do not have), a computer room (which I do not have) and someone else to pay for their residence, heat and air conditioning, medical needs, laundry and daily meals. Why are taxpayers burdened with these financial obligations?

It’s my understanding that the original rationale for incarceration for a crime was to make the stay so unpleasant as to make the prisoner never want to offend again.

Concerning capital crimes, why should taxpayers be burdened with a debt of $40,000-70,000 a year to extend the life of a capital crimes felon? That in and of itself is cruel and unusual punishment. How have we as a society been neutered from administering swift and severe justice to those who pollute our society?

What would Jesus do? Well, let’s have an honest look at his word:

LUKE 17: Then He said unto the disciples. It is impossible but that offences will come; but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged around his neck and he be cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

Does that Scripture have a hint of capital punishment or is that just my wishful thinking?

When we compare the millions of state and federal laws with the 66 books of the Bible, we will gain a clearer understanding how God wanted governments, businesses, marriages and individuals to function on this earth.

RAY GODDARD
Emida