[dtjb]

In the last 50 years, over 1600 murderers have been murdered by the state. It's a question of authority, not justification, and I think that's a much less meaningful distinction.

The fact that there's so little sympathy for the death of a CEO who, in their view, callously discards human life tells us the authority is a much smaller dealbreaker than the justification.

[allturtles]

> It's a question of authority, not justification, and i think that's a much less meaningful distinction.

On the contrary, it's the crucial distinction. Without process and authority we have mob violence, vengeance killing, and vigilantism. Lynching, clan blood feuds, gang violence, all proceed from this same theory that "getting back" is more important than following the rules. In that world, Brian Thompson's killer should expect to be shot by one of his children for taking away their father.

[dtjb]

seems like we're ok crossing the line of "some people need killing," we just have rules on who's allowed to do it and the paperwork needed.