1. What does Thurow regard as the strongest argument for the death penalty? How convincing is it to you?
2. What does he think makes death by a "random element" like a storm harder for survivors to
accept than the murder of a loved one?
3. Why does Hertzberg regard capital punishment as a "uniquely American brand of sadism"?
Do you agree? Why or why not?
4. How do you understand Hertzberg's final sentence?