Do you mean numbers as in all the people he had already fed to Ol' Sparky? (or might have to in the future)
I'm trying to understand.... are you asking me what it would take for me to not like Paul because of his job? (In general? Or in the case of somebody/s that is innocent of guilt having that fate?)
I think I'm looking for a reason why Paul's actions are right, or for someone to state his actions were wrong. I can try to justify or to minimize what was done, a kind of mercy killing if you will, the kiss of death. Or maybe all I'm doing is asking a question or questions about the story I've seldom, if ever, seen addressed. Plus, it's hard to ignore "real life" and to imagine how much different this conversation would be if the subject were he fabled death penalty. On the radio at work, I've heard a story/news about the justice system. Apparently some folk have discovered it is broken. Some lament Super Max prisons, a new one having been built in Illinois, ready to house...2,000?
I could go on and on...about the dichotomy that seems present, or irony...in the mindset that argues the state putting to death of those judged worthy of death is itself wrong...while simultaneously being comfortable with the idea that one should be punished, apparently indefinitely, for having an opinion contrary to that flavored by the many. I'm highly satisfied with the fairness of it all. /sarcasm
Numbers is meant to bring to mind just that, numbers of people put to death...with Prussian efficiency. Justified and minimized, too.
How much free will do we have? If we are beholden to the script? And how does the script come about? Whatever the many desire? I'm not faulting anyone for enjoying the story or for enjoying and liking Paul as a good man. I am questioning how "good" he can be when the proverbial scale is applied. Why are some transgressions easier to forgive than others?
Story got us talking, hey?