Why I'm against the death penalty

I have three reasons why I am against the death penalty.

Now, I understand that there are 2 reasons that I can think of to be in favor of it- economics, first of all. The cost of housing, feeding, and care of one not fit for society is expensive. #2 Killing the bastard makes sure he can never do anything like that again. The commonly mentioned third reason: I frankly do not believe that the death penalty is a deterrent for any crime. I don't think anyone who would consider anything that would merit such a penalty is going to stop and think- "Wait, I can't do this, they may kill me for it."

My reasons:

1. Anyone pulling that switch, inserting the needle, etc, becomes a murderer. Taking a life is not supposed to be easy or morally correct in my view. I simply cannot morally justify it in my mind.
2. There is the chance of punishing the wrong guy. DNA testimony is doing amazing things in exonerating folks who have been punished for something they didn't do. I can but hope as science progresses we can do more to catch and prevent criminals too.

3. I believe that even the most hardened criminal can change. Even if they can never re-enter society, they can certainly learn to make something of what they have left to make the world better. No, it probably doesn't make up for the damage they have done. But, I am the eternal optimist. I do have hope.