Comments on: Obama splits with Supreme Court on rape executions

By: MDR

MDR — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 02:09:36 +0000

As the father of a 6 month old daughter I agree with Obama 100%. I'm glad he stood on his morals and spoke how he truly feels.

By: Kentucky

Kentucky — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 02:04:51 +0000

I think giving the states the right to decide death penalties would have sent a real threat to pediphiles. But the root of the problem runs deeper. This country has lost its morals. People used to have the fear of God. No one cares anymore about what is right and what is wrong.
I am actually sick of hearing about OBAMA, you people follow him like its some kind of cult..sickens me... I might actually agree with the guy on a few issues if Obama backers were not so rude.
I am a Kentuckian that CNN and Obama supporters bash.. I have an education, 37 and working towards my third degree to be exact! and I am a Christian.. so CNN and OBAMA supporters think I have no rights! I call that descrimination! Stop acting so childish and grow up!

By: Michael

Michael — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:51:32 +0000

I honestly do not see how anyone can disagree with what Obama is saying about this ruling. It boggles the mind that people would think that a man who rapes a child should live. The Supreme Court should be ashamed of itself. I am not a huge supporter of the death penalty, however I do believe there should be crimes where it should apply and this is one.

I believe the Supreme Court and their supreme stupidity just opened a Pandora's Box with this ruling. Sleep well judges, you just put our children in jeopardy, thanks for nothing.

By: Inga

Inga — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:50:25 +0000

I am a woman now 58 who was raped when I was 11. I am a huge supporter of Obama and his point of view on the death penalty will not change my mind about him. I think it is a very personal choice. I don't believe in the death penalty for anyone – I believe in rehabilitation.

By: Raymond Duke

Raymond Duke — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:48:09 +0000

I find that interesting since he didn't have no problems with giving terriost the same rights as americans. I believe he is trying the old game to see if he can pick up some conservative democrat votes and republican votes on an emotional crime as child rape . I have no problem with it. Here in texas we kind of like getting rid of the slugs to society. In kenya about a month ago they burned 13 people to death for being witches. You know that Kenya is thought of as being one of the most progressive african nations. Since old dad was supposedly a Kenyan and cnn was doing that special on how proud they were of their home boy maybe he should negioate with them to stop that stuff.

By: J.C.

J.C. — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:47:39 +0000

I am against death penalty, but such a sex criminal act against a child should be dealt with heavily. Instead of death penalty, there was an old penalty for this in many parts of the world, which was to castrate the convicted criminal. But I am not sure if castration will stop the crime for good. Just my 2 cents!

By: Another ignorant opinion

Another ignorant opinion — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:46:52 +0000

Hundreds of comments, and not one from anyone who actually read the Supreme Court opinions. How about this fact, from the majority:

Four out of five child rapes are never reported to the police at all. Why? Because it is usually a family member who is the perpetrator, and the rest of the family, while perhaps upset and angry, don't want their relative going to jail. The child might even feel guilty about getting Uncle Joe locked up, on top of everything else the child is going through.

Now add in the death penalty. How much harder will families work to cover up the abuse, knowing that their deranged cousin/uncle/brother could be executed? How much more guilt would the victimized child feel? The death penalty would make no difference except to drive this crime further underground. Before you lash out in anger, take a minute to think about the real world consequences of your opinions.

By: KCBob

KCBob — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:45:11 +0000

I split with Obama on this case..I do not feel the state has a right to kill its citizens for any reason. There have been to many innocent lives ruined by false convictions and its just a can of worms that should be closed. Let countries like china and iran treat its people like cattle...this is America.

I do however support the Idea of Castration for these types of "people".

I still support Obama though, even if I think he is wrong here.

By: Joe - Chicago, IL

Joe - Chicago, IL — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:44:13 +0000

There he goes again with his ultra left wing pro death penalty stance.

By: Dems

Dems — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:41:31 +0000

What about killing late term fetuses? Or babies that survive abortion attempts? Obama voted against legislation that would have banned the killing of a baby that survived an abortion and also against a ban on partial birth abortions.

What about that Obama?

Hypocrite and fraud.

By: Leonard

Leonard — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:37:32 +0000

Jason you are wrong, Illinois never overturn the death sentence, what happen is the former governor Ryan put moratorium on death penalty in order to reform the system that was corrupted and hanging the wrong people

By: ANTI CLINTON

ANTI CLINTON — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:36:48 +0000

I don't agree with Obama on any issues, but this one I do.

By: Irishspacemonk

Irishspacemonk — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:31:18 +0000

For any who are questioning Obama's stance on this...could it be because he has daughters and the idea that this would happen to one of them is heinous? Perhaps this would give pause to rapists before they act.

By: Boris

Boris — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:31:15 +0000

Great...

Rape of a child is a heinous crime, but rape of an adult... isn't? Excuse me?!??

By: MrHapiGuy

MrHapiGuy — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:28:17 +0000

Sorry. I just do not see how anyone who hurts a child in this way could possibly be considered sane. These people should be locked in a high-security, mental health facility for life. Remove them from society forever and study the monsters to figure out how we can stop growing them.

By: Bishop

Bishop — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:27:19 +0000

NO PEOPLE THIS IS NOT A GIMMICK!!! JUST RELAX!! MANY DEM/REP AGREE/DISAGREE ON THIS...

By: MissClarity

MissClarity — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:21:56 +0000

For the molested who decided they actually liked it after all and went back for more and continue to fein victim and for the molester your nightengale song should stop just before understanding the plight of the truly molested and/or truly raped victims. There's a judge down in Florida who was very sympathic with a molester (probably admired the molester for living out his fantasys and the judge didn't have the nerve to act out – I hear the judge was breathing heavily during the court proceedings) and he let the guy go only for him to molest, bury alive a sweet neighbor girl – REMEMBER. In that case the judge should be executed as an accomplise.

Obama is a decent man and if he pauses it's because he a thoughtful, kind man and selects his words carefully concerning something so vile. But for Berkeleyoffs, everythings cool with them 'cause they inhale and think it's all good. Sober minds have the credentials for comment and anything else is just more of the Berkeleyoffs getting off.

Whatever,

By: Ryan L

Ryan L — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:21:01 +0000

I think Obama took this stance from his heart, not because it was popular. Everyone's talking about unifying the Democrats, and yet he stated on behalf of the death penalty which is wildly unpopular with many of the liberal base of the Democratic party. I think he meant what he said about this.

By: Rick

Rick — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:19:44 +0000

For this time in my adult life I am really proud of our Supreme Court.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:18:36 +0000

Hah! Earl, the 2 people Bush put in there are John Roberts & Samuel Alito. They both voted in favor of the death penalty for child rapists. Do your research before you make a comment

By: RJ, CA

RJ, CA — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:17:12 +0000

Don’t Forget Obama's IL Voting Record
In 1999, Barack Obama was faced with a difficult vote in IL — to support a bill that would let some juveniles be tried as adults - where he risked drawing fire from African-Americans – or, in opposing it, jeopardizing his image as “tough on crime.” So in the end, he voted neither for nor against the bill. He voted “present” - an option he chose 130 times as a state senator.

By: Tricia

Tricia — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:14:48 +0000

Some people seem unable to listen or read details. Obama is talking about the rape of small children and specific circumstances. Ugly stuff. Again he is showing he has ideas and sticks to them. Read his ideas on his webpage. It's good to see some people realizing that Obama is not a left-wing liberal on many issues.

By: INDEPENDENT for OBAMA

INDEPENDENT for OBAMA — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:13:06 +0000

Independent-woman-4-Obama............... As a Roman Catholic, I am against the death penalty, but as a victim of childhood sexual abuse……. I would make an exception on pedophiles!
The only way to stop these creeps is to throw them in jail for life or kill them. That include pedophile Catholic priests! DITTO!!!!!!!

I feel your PAIN!!!!!!!

By: Mimi De La Cruz for OBAMA

Mimi De La Cruz for OBAMA — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:11:45 +0000

I THINK IF YOU HAD THE DEATH PENALTY FOR ANY

OFFENSE, IT SHOULD BE FOR A CHILD MOLESTER

THAT WAS A DISHONORABLE VOTE.

By: Karen

Karen — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:10:08 +0000

I have agood friens whose stepfather sexually abused her from age 8-15 when she ran away from home.This shaped the way she acted her whole adult life. She is finally undergoing the slow painful process of bringing out all these hidden fears and dealing with them she is now 44. It breaks my heart to see her like this. My personal opinion, and cnn probably won't print it, is full castration for these sick individuals.

By: David Goldman for OBAMA

David Goldman for OBAMA — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:08:00 +0000

SHAME, MUCH SHAME ON THE SUPREME COURT.

I APPOSE THE DEATH PENALTY, BUT AS LONG AS WE

HAVE IT, A CHILD MOLESTER IS A PERFECT CANDIDATE.

By: bec

bec — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:06:59 +0000

as usual obama's going for emotion over logic. he got the gitmo case wrong and he's got this one wrong. as a law student, he should know that the SC couldn;t rele the other way based on law. if we were to punish every crimal based on the negative effects their actions have on their victims, we'd be doing a lot worse to all of our criminals than just letting them sit in jail cells. but that would be considered cruel and unusual. and if it were an eye for an eye, then we couldn't punish "victimless crimes" such as drugs, dwi and other motor vehicle laws, prostitution, etc.

By: Daniel Wagle

Daniel Wagle — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:06:43 +0000

Just like I disagreed with Bill Clinton on the death penalty, I strongly disagree with Barack Obama on this. I am opposed to the death penalty under all circumstances, but I also think his reasoning leads to a slippery slope where people could be executed for many offenses that do not involve murder. My United Methodist Church strongly opposes the death penalty for all offenses, one reason of which is that NO PERSON is beyond redemption. Even the pope could forgive the person who tried to shoot him.

By: 58 old white ladies for OBAMA

58 old white ladies for OBAMA — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:04:58 +0000

WE ABSOLUTELY DISAGREE WITH THE SUPREME COURT.

WE WOULD RATHER HAVE THE DEATH PENALTY

FOR CHILD MOLESTER THAN ANY MURDERER WE

CAN THINK OF.THIS SHAMEFUL DECISION IS A TELLING

OF A CULTURE THAT DOESN'T TAKE IT'S CHILDREN

AS SERIOUSLY AS IT SHOULD.

By: Stan

Stan — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:55:08 +0000

child rape is not a Democratic or Republican issue. everyone should be outraged that we allow heinous acts like this to go unpunished. however since there is no money or power to be gained in trying to discourage it, nothing will ever change. everyine can talk the talk on the campaign trail, but sure enough once in office no one does anything unless theres money involved.

By: Karen Beaumont, TX

Karen Beaumont, TX — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:54:59 +0000

Obama seems to understand the Constitution better than our Supreme Court but then he WAS a constitutional law professor. The Constitution says that cruel and unusual punishment cannot be administered. If the death penalty isn't considered cruel and unusual then states should be able to apply it where the state seems fit. I do not support the death penalty (if we kill someone and later find out they are innocent-and yes, this has happened, we can't dig them up and say "oh, I'm sorry"). Better to lock someone up just in case. But Obama does have it right on this one. It should be up to the states how they apply the death penalty. Of course, the death penalty could be deemed by the courts a "cruel and unusual punishment" in any case and then that would settle the matter.

By: Texas Trail Dog

Texas Trail Dog — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:51:48 +0000

Besides one more step you should go. You should also include that all rapist of no matter what age should be put to death. I am tired as hades reading about some teenager to a grandmother being raped and murdered. This must stop. The only way to do it is to make them pay with their lives.

By: Mrs. Wilson

Mrs. Wilson — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:50:55 +0000

I hope this man receives what he gave to that child everyday for the rest of his sorry life...........pain and agony.

Change '08

By: bec

bec — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:50:10 +0000

also, alot of you people are misinformed. it was the liberal judges who made this decision – the conservatives dissented, so obama's agreed with the conservatives on this one. personally, i think it was a correct decision.

obama just doesn't want to look "soft" or liberal.

By: Henry

Henry — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:49:45 +0000

what a message our Supreme Court has sent by this decision, basically condoning child rape. rapists and child molesters currently serve an average of 3 years behind bars for their unspeakable acts.

By: Texas Trail Dog

Texas Trail Dog — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:48:26 +0000

OBAMA DID YOU TELL THEM THAT YOU HAD ALREADY SIGNED A PETITION TO HAVE ALL THE STATES IN THE UNION TO DISBAND THE DEATH SENTENCES. IN DIREST INVASION OF STATE RIGHTS.

IF YOU HAVE A CHANGE OF HEART AND ARE GOING TO FOLLOW THROUGH WITH DEATH SENTENCES FOR CHILD RAPIST THEN I MIGHT THINK SERIOUSLY VOTING FOR YOU THAT IS IF HILLARY IS AT YOUR SIDE, BUT NOT BEFORE I KNOW FOR SURE YOU ARE A MAN OF YOUR WORD.

WHY DID YOU SIGN THE PETITION?

By: bec

bec — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:46:28 +0000

this was a tough decision, but the SC has to make decisions based strictly on law, not what we think they deserve. many people are unfairly accused and convicted of crimes. not to mention that a death sentence would probably cause more predators to kill their victims so they don't get caught.

and what about adult victims of rape? rape is violence and torture – it's not about sex. i don't know how it would be legal for it to apply to one group of perpretrators based on their victims and not others.

europeans think we're barbaric for having the death penalty period. the death penalty won't solve the problem. we have to come up with ways to prevent these things from happening and help the victims.

By: dictator

dictator — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:44:36 +0000

I understand Obama's point on this...But life is the most precious gift that any human being has. Only the person who gives it (life)has the right to take it. no matter what we call it : a death sentence is still crime; as committed by a criminal or by the state. we cannot on this age tolarate the tallonic' law ( an eye for an eye ) to be at play.
I still strongly believe that death sentence is a luxury punishment to any type of crime. instead let us apply the life sentence which gives criminals no way out; to escape the gilt for what they did wrong. Although most of you believe such criminals lack conscience, but I guarentee you they have one.
we cannot at any circonstance promote capital punishment.
Ob. You still have my vote.

By: Gregory Oliver

Gregory Oliver — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:40:34 +0000

I am a supporter of Obama and I am disappointed that he has taken this stand. It is easy to label such a horrific crime as heinous. Is raping a woman at gun point not heinous, is raping a helpless man not heinous. I am opposed to the death penalty for a number of reasons, but even if you support the death penalty it is understood that there are limits to when it should be used. I have always understood it to be when someone has been died. When a life is lost. Of course when you say you do not think it is constitutional for a child rapist to be executed you are immediately labeled as a supporter of child rapists. I need to know when and how we limit certain states from deciding which crimes are now heinous. People will always push the limit and that scares me almost as much as child rapists.

By: bhagwan deol

bhagwan deol — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:37:47 +0000

i fully agree that molesting an innocent child is unforgivable crime.
but once the life is taken there is no possibility of correctiveness.
we have seen and herst in the past that innocent people have been executed.
in my humble opinion the worst punishment is to let a criminal rot in a cell for whole life. ececution is a pain for few minutes and the criminal is sleep for ever. OBAMA AS EVER IS SIDING WITH EMOTIONS TO COLLECT FEW MORE CONSERVATIVE VOTES. BEING EXTREME LIBERAL HE IS SUPPOSED TO BE ANTI DEATH PENALTY.
taking and giving life is in the hands of GOD and humans can punish but not take life
bhagwan deol los angeles

By: PeterP

PeterP — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:32:47 +0000

Wow!

You can agree or disagree with Obama, but I am exited that we are about to elect a president who can form a coherent and thoughtful English sentence....Bravo Obama!

I can't wait for him to win the presidency. So I don't have to cringe or bow my head in shame whenever my president speaks in English.

By: How interesting . . .

How interesting . . . — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:31:26 +0000

NOW Obama wants to be "fair" and "tough" on juvenile crime. In 1999, Barack Obama was faced with a difficult vote in IL — to support a bill that would let some juveniles be tried as adults -- where he risked drawing fire from African-Americans – or, in opposing it, jeopardizing his image as “tough on crime.” So in the end, he voted neither for nor against the bill. He voted “present” -- an option he chose 130 times as a state senator. You're still only "present," Obama!

By: Gary

Gary — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:27:08 +0000

The State should not be killing anyone for a crime. Period. What the hell are we, Iran??

By: steinway

steinway — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:24:24 +0000

barry's pandering to the religious right (moving to center where he thinks he can dupe the simple minded)...now you know he was listening to rev. wright.

until you can give life don't be too quick to take it.

By: Peter E

Peter E — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:23:04 +0000

Wow... Obama actually got something right! By LISTENING to people instead of zombifying them with cheesy slogans... we may have a good politician afterall. But I doubt it...

By: Peter E

Peter E — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:21:39 +0000

His mind was also 5-4 split.
Flip -flopper!

By: Brenda D

Brenda D — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:17:28 +0000

After all of the push to convince everyone of Senator Obama's Christianity, I was supprised to hear that he supports the death penalty. There are so many Christians who do not.

I am not surprised that there was no follow-up from the media. What else is new?

Brenda

By: Kick Hillary to the Curb

Kick Hillary to the Curb — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:15:46 +0000

YES they should get the death penalty, these are heinous crimes!!!

By: A bitter mid westerner who loves guns and God

A bitter mid westerner who loves guns and God — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:15:14 +0000

And this is the guy that :

Obama also opposed legislation making it easier to impose the death penalty for murders committed as part of gang activity. Obama argued the language was too vague and could be abused by authorities.

WOW. Having an election certainly seems to change some peoples minds.

Obama will say or do anything to get elected. But he won't be.

He wants to take our guns away from us too. And he is pro abortion.

By: Peter E

Peter E — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:15:10 +0000

Ooo.... and that picture looks like he's actually taking a stance and doing leader-like things... Good job CNN, disguising the fact that Obama never actually DID anything but talk, talk, talk...