[AlaskaErik]

I argued that armed citizens have done far, far more than anything else to reduce criminal activity, the death penalty included.

This is an absolute no brainer. When someone is trying to assault you or your family, a pistol in the hand is a much more effective tool at stopping the attacker than an execution method on the books.

[Mack the knife]

When someone is trying to assault you or your family, a pistol in the hand is a much more effective tool at stopping the attacker than an execution method on the books.

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To reword the issue: What would be more effective in deterring a perp from trying to kill you: the threat of a possible future death sentence from the courts after being convicted beyond a reasonable doubt, or the immediate threat of an armed victim making you DRT (Dead Right There)?

Answer: immediate DRT trumps the possibility of a future execution.