The problem is not about punishing the wrong-doers, that's fine.
The problem is using torture to punish another humain being. That's just cruel and inhumane.
About death penalty, the death penalties we have in North America are meant to kill the person as fast as possible, not to make them atrociously suffer, the difference is there.
Actually I think many people consider the death part to be cruel and inhumane.
Painlessly eliminating scum isn't inhumane, it's the sane thing to do.
Why stop there.. Why not drag up the Childrens crusade of the 12 century. It's just as relivent. Sure there is still racism in the US but you won't find the same level of indoctrination that people like the Palastinians preach.