[elmer fudd]

The only certain way to protect kids from them is execution or a lifetime of incarceration.

I think those are appropriate punishments for a great many pedophiles. I couldn't bring myself to condemn someone to life in prison or death whose only known crime was viewing kiddie porn though, ie. Pete Townsend.

I'm guessing that a significant percentage of pedophiles really hate their orientation and would do just about anything to be normal, but find it impossible. If I were in that position I would voluntarily choose castration just in order to live with myself and have a clean conscience.

[Squawk 8888]

I couldn't bring myself to condemn someone to life in prison or death whose only known crime was viewing kiddie porn
Me neither, I'd save the toughest penalties for those who directly harm someone. IMHO viewing child porn is comparable to buying stolen goods, in the sense that the offender is possessing the proceeds of a crime rather than committing the actual crime. I'd also be inclined to plea-bargain the charges away if it leads to the capture of those who produce the stuff.

I'm guessing that a significant percentage of pedophiles really hate their orientation and would do just about anything to be normal, but find it impossible.
You're probably correct but it's far more complex than just hormones. Castration alone is not likely to solve the problem; at best it might make the compulsion more manageable. There really is no substitute for supervision in such cases.