Yeah, there's a ton of jerks in this world. But still, there's many people that show that we, as people, are not universally terrible.

Throughout a relatively short span of existance, humanity have many fantastic qualities. Our ancestors and modern people are artisic. We've developed beautiful artworks and music, symbols of many feelings. We are intelligent and practical, and in terms of intelligence the smartest known species in this world. We dream and feel, and understand. The human mind can think and invent.

From a moral standpoint, just look at all the humantarian workers and the charitible. The humble and those who have genuine compassion and care towards others. These people, who are willing to aid others for purely altruistic reasons, even to those that hate and scorn, are living proof that the human race has its goodly qualities and hope.

One can look at all the bad in the world and belive all is bad, or one can believe that there is still good. I believe clearly in the latter, if only because of a few.

Meh, things make more sense when you start looking at things for what they really are. People are still animals, and I don't mean it as an insult. People simply exhibit animalistic behaviors. A current hot topic is the idea that some things are simply genetic. Rape is a good example of this concept. In a whole "Darwinistic" approach the concept it seems like an effective trait for an animal to possess. It allows for reproduction while trying to avoid confrontation with the "alpha male." Of course, punishment is still a logical course of action. As an animal it would be logical to try and prevent and punish such actions as these actions pose (numerous) problems for others.

Crime and punishment are all, more or less, a result of animalistic behavior.

Humans are social animals; it's what kept us alive and allowed us to prosper and dominate other animals; even nature itself, to a lesser extent. These social elements are essential for continued survival. The "douchebag" brings less to society and as a result will gradually ( hopefully ) be weened out of existence... Of course, the same behavioral "weening" will apply to those that think too much of others and don't put in enough effort for their own existence.

NOTE: I suppose someone will probably be offended by my post. I hope this is not the case, but it is simply one way to look at the world. People aren't all that complex, it's that people don't want to believe in their simplicity. What sets humans apart from animals is really just "Synesthesia" - Look it up and consider how it played a role in human evolution. It's cool stuff.