| Forgive me, for wanting to see an actual study instead of taking an internet commenter's assertion over the efficacy of "harsh punishments." Especially since "welts on your butt" is a gross mischaracterization[-1][-2] The consensus among criminologists is that capital punishment isn't a deterrent.[0] That's why capital punishment advocates rely on emotional arguments around punitive and revenge. And a counter anecdote, you can see children playing and navigating cities alone in The Netherlands and across Europe, and none of those countries have capital punishment. Furthermore, crime is actually at historic lows.[1] In fact, it's categorically safer now, than it was when you were a kid, or when your parents were kids. Thirdly, kidnappings occur primarily by estranged parents, and is also lower now than ever.[2] Pedobear in the van with "FREE KANDEE!" scrawled on the side in crayon is exceptionally rare. If your kid wants to ride the bus alone, you totally should let them. It's a fun, safe, adventure. In fact, kids do it the United States every day.[3] [-2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caning_in_Singapore#Medical_tr... [-1] http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=3c9_1304013159 [0] http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/study-88-criminologists-do-n... [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_in_the_United_States [2] https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/five-myths-about-mis... [3] https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2015/05/26/... |