This is not an issue that I'd fall on my sword on as a flexible conservative. Although I don't think that the death penalty is morally wrong, I don't think that it should be meted out without a lot of reflection and justification (although I agree with sentiments like those expressed by numbah, and also think that there shouldn't be a moment's hesitation in executing these guys involved in the recent spate of child molestations and killings - fry 'em twice over). When people go around killing other people, especially relatively defenseless, innnocent people like kids, they deserve what they get - and it shouldn't be a government hotel with losts of perks. I'm sorry, I have no pity for low-life like that.