Guns & Crimes
I've been thinking upon the problem of handguns used during the commission of violent crimes here in the United States. It seems to be primarily an American problem with instances of their use far less frequent in Europe, for example. So, my proposal is a typically American one, illustrated in this painting by Pisanello (c. 1395 – probably 1455).
Yup, use a gun in the commission of a crime and your penalty is a bare-arsed public hanging - short drop style!
While this could potentially lead to a reduction in the use of firearms during the commission of crimes, it will almost certainly, of course, lead to a "Bonnie & Clyde" mentality among the criminals. Accordingly, the chances of a violent crime victim getting killed will increase dramatically when the offender uses a gun and peace officers will become engaged in more firefights with criminals who are going to die by hanging anyhow if they don't escape. Unfortunately, the price of liberty, freedom, and the right to bear almost any arm of your chosing does not come cheaply.
Alternatively, we could simply issue everyone 18 years and older a concealed handgun permit requiring them to (a) carry a handgun at all times and (b) become a deputy sheriff. As an integral part of the instruction class required for the required permit, they would be (a) taught to shoot to kill anyone seen committing a crime with a handgun and (b) reminded that they are likely to be shot and certainly will be hanged in public until dead if they themselves use their gun in the commission of a crime. Further, the permit holder will be instructed to call 911 for criminals not suffering mortal wounds and wishing to receive medical attention only if the criminal can prove they have private health insurance. Upon a request made by a wounded criminal, a coup de grace may be administered by the permit holder, without penalty, at their discretion.
To gain maximum publicity, the public hangings would be held live on PBS Television each Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm local time with reruns at 9:00 am on Wednesday morning for those missing the live broadcasts. A celebrity hangman or hangwoman (Madonna, Charles Manson and Keith Richards come immediately to mind) would be engaged once a month.
The hangings would be rotated from city to city around the nation for those wishing to witness the hangings in person. A raffle could be held to benefit the local families of peace officers killed in the line of duty. The lucky winner would get to kick the stool out from under one of the hangees of their choosing. All other hangors (with the exception of the aforementioned celebrities) would be local citizens drawn randomly for jury duty on hanging day.
It would be the Wild, Wild West all over again.
Hooaah!
Yup, use a gun in the commission of a crime and your penalty is a bare-arsed public hanging - short drop style!
While this could potentially lead to a reduction in the use of firearms during the commission of crimes, it will almost certainly, of course, lead to a "Bonnie & Clyde" mentality among the criminals. Accordingly, the chances of a violent crime victim getting killed will increase dramatically when the offender uses a gun and peace officers will become engaged in more firefights with criminals who are going to die by hanging anyhow if they don't escape. Unfortunately, the price of liberty, freedom, and the right to bear almost any arm of your chosing does not come cheaply.
Alternatively, we could simply issue everyone 18 years and older a concealed handgun permit requiring them to (a) carry a handgun at all times and (b) become a deputy sheriff. As an integral part of the instruction class required for the required permit, they would be (a) taught to shoot to kill anyone seen committing a crime with a handgun and (b) reminded that they are likely to be shot and certainly will be hanged in public until dead if they themselves use their gun in the commission of a crime. Further, the permit holder will be instructed to call 911 for criminals not suffering mortal wounds and wishing to receive medical attention only if the criminal can prove they have private health insurance. Upon a request made by a wounded criminal, a coup de grace may be administered by the permit holder, without penalty, at their discretion.
To gain maximum publicity, the public hangings would be held live on PBS Television each Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm local time with reruns at 9:00 am on Wednesday morning for those missing the live broadcasts. A celebrity hangman or hangwoman (Madonna, Charles Manson and Keith Richards come immediately to mind) would be engaged once a month.
The hangings would be rotated from city to city around the nation for those wishing to witness the hangings in person. A raffle could be held to benefit the local families of peace officers killed in the line of duty. The lucky winner would get to kick the stool out from under one of the hangees of their choosing. All other hangors (with the exception of the aforementioned celebrities) would be local citizens drawn randomly for jury duty on hanging day.
It would be the Wild, Wild West all over again.
Hooaah!
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