Effing World.

At this point I'm sure all or most of you have heard about the horrible tragedy that occured at the Amish schoolhouse in Pennsylvania as well as the shooting and assault in a Colorado high school over the last week. I find myself torn as to whether I'm glad these terribly deranged men took their own lives or were killed by police at the scene, thereby speeding up the process, or whether I would like them to face justice. Sadly, I would go for the former since we in this country are not allowed to treat the truly wicked in the manner they deserve. Could you imagine scores of people marching to save this "poor man who obviously cracked under the pressure of an unhealthy upbringing and the burdens society had placed upon him." Down with the death penalty? I think not. Those poor families. I'm not a big prayer guy, but sometimes you just have to.

I wrote this a couple of days ago, and I wasn't sure I was going to post it. Then I came across the following bit of information and realized there are even more people who need the death sentence, even if they are not committing an actual crime.

Radical Baptist group plans to picket Amish funeralsBy Mario F. CattabianiINQUIRER STAFF WRITER
HARRISBURG - Members of a radical Baptist church plan to picket at the funerals of five Amish girls slain in Lancaster County Monday, believing God is punishing Pennsylvania for the sins of Gov. Rendell.
Word of the protests prompted Rendell today to issue a public plea for everyone, including members from the Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas, to respect the privacy at the funerals planned for tomorrow and Friday.
"I am asking everyone, the people from the church in Kansas, I am asking everyone to please observe the Amish religious tradition and the Amish desire to carry out their funerals in utmost privacy," Rendell said. "Do not try to intrude on their privacy at probably the most terrible moment of tragedy the Amish community has had in its history here in America and Pennsylvania."
The Topeka church announced its intentions on its Web site, GodHatesFags.com.
The church has gained national prominence for picketing at the funerals of American soldiers. They say God is punishing America for its tolerance of gays.
In a rambling news release interspersed with fiery Bible passages, the church said the girls were killed "in punishment for Gov. Ed Rendell's blasphemous sins" against Westboro Baptist. It cited two news media interviews the governor gave soon after he signed legislation this summer banning demonstrations at services for military personnel.
It went on to say that the church "is continuing to pray for even worse punishment upon Pennsylvania."
Asked about the church's view that he brought on this tragedy, Rendell responded, "They are insane."
"This is the same logic that says that we are losing American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan because there are too many gays in America," he added.
Rendell said he has been in contact with one of the elders in the Amish community "to see if they want state police presence in case the church demonstrates." He said he plans to reach out to elders again later this morning for an answer.
The governor said he would not do anything "that the Amish community doesn't want." One option, he said, is to make sure that if there is a demonstration, it is "far enough away so they don't interfere with the privacy of the funerals."
Last month, church members protested at a funeral home in London, Ky., where a service was being held for a soldier. They shouted and held signs that read "America is doomed," "Thank God for 9/11," "You're going to hell" and "Thank God for dead soldiers."