What is the value of human life?

Good can be said for the eradication of “cruel and unusual punishments” for crimes. However, replacement of executions with “life sentences” for the taking of the life of another remains debatable, especially where the crime is serial or heinous and where a “life sentence” is but a few years in actuality.

Social workers highlight the value of rehabilitation over retribution. But what of the rights of victims and the value of public safety? And what about violent high-risk serial offenders, those without remorse, and intrinsically wired for pride and excitement in repeated violent control of others? A little therapy and self-reflection guarantees recovery?

The flaw in our idealism is our expectation that all perpetrators will respond in a fair and reasonable way to fair and reasonable punishment.

Unfortunately, ours is a world of great temptation for psychopaths and unbalanced beings without empathy or remorse; those unbound by conscience. They will forever “cherry pick” rules so as to prey upon others and to play the system. They look upon compassion as a weakness to be exploited. The pendulum toward leniency seems ever increasing in their favour.

The brutal murderer of his three young and helpless children in 2008 detained on insanity plea. Allan Schoenborn may be granted unescorted passes into the community. No obligation to notify community, police or family of victims.

“A Chilliwack man (F.M. Tessman) fell asleep at the wheel after a crystal meth and alcohol-fueled night, leading to a collision that killed a pregnant Kelowna woman on Highway 1, near Hope.” He was sentenced to 30 days jail, a fine of $1,000 and 18 months driving prohibition.

“Aaron Ceretti, 31, previously pleaded guilty to thee counts of breaking and entering and a string of other weapon and