andyh wrote:
No, we don't all know it's bollocks at all. I think some people are just attracted to doing things that the rest of us would consider evil, because their pleasure is derived from causing others pain and anguish.

Everybody would like to see progress in determining causes I think, and doing something positive about it.

But I thought these boys, and others like them, were supposedly scrutinised by psychiatrists. Aren't they the ones who are supposed to be experts at such things?

Bulger's mother has kept watch on Thompson & Venables over the years. I quite admire her, in that she doesn't come across as vengeful and twisted. She doesn't say that they should necessarily be incarcerated for ever. But she's hoping to address the board at Venables parole hearing to argue that he's not safe to be released. She didn't do that with Thompson, who's already out. So maybe some people can be rehabilitated. (just maybe - or maybe it's just that they're slyer & better at not getting caught) whilst others can't.

If killing one predator who slays for fun can protect one or more innocent victim/s, I'm for doing it. Presumably it'd be swift - not the same kind of prolonged, tortuous death that they enjoy inflicting on others. I do know a lot of people won't agree with my opinion, but that's where I stand on it.

Gilly wrote:
Nothing in your statement shows any connection to evil genes or proves its existence scientifically in any way whatsoever.
Nor has there been any scientific investigation in to the matter, just lots and lots of assumption and emotional kneejerk reactions.

And nothing you've said disproves it, scientifically or otherwise either. And nobody's mentioned genes apart from yourself. Also, could you point out what I said that was 'emotional' or a 'knee-jerk reaction' please?

Ok, I'm willing to accept the presence of 'evil'...as and when I'm presented with evidence that such a thing exists.

oioioi wrote:
I don't think you are. No offence meant, but I think we see evil shit going on all the time, every day of the week, but don't recognise it for what it is.

However, I've argued this point before & it doesn't get anyone anywhere, as we're not going to convince each other to change our opinions. I'd rather agree to disagree.

Labelling acts 'evil' is not proof that there is such a thing.

It doesn't matter if I am willing or not, it matters if there is proof.

There isn't.

i dont think we should put too much value on their life and their need to live and the chance they are ever rehabilitated. imo life in prison is cruel and unusual. im all for 2nd chances, but in these cases its too much risk. to kill them, i see it as merciful, a favor to nature, children, and parents. so you know go ahead, make sure to learn what you can and then cap them and let it be over.

oioioi wrote:
It speaks for itself, to my mind. It's like saying there's no 'proof' that anything is funny, so you don't believe in humour.

Gilly wrote:
There has been no scientific investigation in to the matter has there?
In fact not much of any investigation into it scientific or otherwise. Your post is full of emotion Gilly, as are most people when they look at it

batou wrote:
Their rehab is pointless in all likelihood, where is OUR rehab?
What can we learn from it?
How can we avoid it in future?

Gilly wrote:
Funny is captain obvious, an 'evil gene' is not.

andyh wrote:
I disagree. I've been deliberately trying to view it in terms of fairness & practicality.

Emotional would be when I to view it in terms of a mother of young children, at which point, forget fair & practical. Hand me Venables and an axe and fook what's morally right & wrong. That's emotion.

andyh wrote:
Funny is captain obvious, an 'evil gene' is not.[/quote]

Sorry, your 'Captain Obvious' is not a get out clause. And again, the 'gene' angle is all yours.

i dunno.. you ask me questions im not qualified to answer. i m not really sure what we can learn from it or how to avoid it. maybe the answers are nothing and we can't. shit happens

If people laugh at something it's funny, how do you define 'evil'?

Gilly wrote:
Sorry, your 'Captain Obvious' is not a get out clause. And again, the 'gene' angle is all yours.[/quote]

Well, is it worth finding out why stuff happens or is it better to simply lock people up after the shit hits the fan?
Should I really have to ask such a dumb question? lol :p

batou wrote:
How can we be sure if we can or cannot learn from something?
Generally speaking it involves looking into it first...well usually anyway.

oioioi wrote:
If people recoil in a combination of sorrow, anger, horror & disgust at some deliberate act of pointless hurt inflicted.

andyh wrote:
Definitely not, since I've already addressed that earlier!!!

I've been dying to use that emoticon.

Gilly wrote:
Well, is it worth finding out why stuff happens or is it better to simply lock people up after the shit hits the fan?
^