Go to Afzal 's view
- Add a comment
- Go to Reflection: On Capital punishment .
Afzal
Provacative post!
As an American nationalist, I don't think it has to be universally accepted or rejected - each nation must decide for itself - I was just watching the news - the jury recommednded the death sentence (which the judge will most likely uphold) for John Couey, who kidnapped, raped, and buried alive a 9 yr. old girl - in my view, anything other than the death sentence would have been an outrage. Though I was raised Christian (Roman Catholic), I support the Old Testament view of "An eye for an eye" - it's not about "playing God" - it's about being human - and humans sometimes have to "judge" one another - as someone who accepts the possibility of God's existence, I accept the possibility that I may be judged one day - but that does not stop me from judging others - the saying, "Judge not, lest ye be judged", does not intimidate me. 
posted by
Enigmatic68
on March 14, 2007 at 3:08 PM
| link to this | reply
Good question.In South Africa Mandela abolished death penalty & crime leads
the world in many categories like rape and armed robbery (especially of armored trucks delivery cash to businesses and banks) are notoriously highest among the world's nations. That with a small population of 40 -45 million only. I think India has done a great job with its billion, accommodating all religions and Islamic law in a mainly Hindu nation; also facing terrorism and not becoming pre-emptively violent like george Bush. We ought to lead with our values, not our fears. If this were not so, then we would have no Gandhi's , Martin Luther Kings and Mandelas. The powerful also demand FORGIVENESS from us, but offer nothing to those they consider underdogs, lower religions, subhumans. Hence the history of slavery, concentration camps in Germany and in South Africa (Boer War) and USA (Indians, and of the Japanese in 1941-1945). I agree, there are double--triple--standards. But I live by my values, and I survived apartheid racism & 9-11 without becoming evil myself. Alelujah; thank you Lord Jesus for your FORGIVENESS and JUDGMENT. Amen--Ameen
posted by
ILLUMINATI8
on March 14, 2007 at 2:36 PM
| link to this | reply
Sunny,
Thanks.
posted by
afzal50
on March 14, 2007 at 11:26 AM
| link to this | reply
Sunny,
Thanks.
posted by
afzal50
on March 14, 2007 at 11:26 AM
| link to this | reply
Afzal
Interesting thoughts. I really don't know. There is no easy answer to this, I think.
posted by
Afzal_Sunny7
on March 14, 2007 at 11:25 AM
| link to this | reply
My nephew was sentenced to 20 years..........
for drugs and after the appeal, it was reduced to about 14. Never the less, putting him behind bars for that many years is not going to rehabilitate him, is it? Why couldn't they have recruited him into the armed service or assigned him to serve somewhere in places that show the devastating effects that drugs (in the end) will rob you of. He needed rehabilitation...not locked up for years and when he gets out, he will have to completely learn many things all over again. Yes, he knows manufacturing drugs was wrong and he is serving his time, but I think the length of sentence has completely grown out of proportion. Maybe that's why so many people return to prison because they are not able to cope from so many years behind bars for things like stealing or lying etc.... and why do some only get probation for the same crime and another many years incarcerated??? I don't know the answers but I do know of what devastation it has caused in my family of losing one to the prison system. I'm just glad his grandmother (my mother) is not alive to know what has happened to the sweet boy she helped raise!
posted by
Butterfly-1950
on March 14, 2007 at 10:09 AM
| link to this | reply
Afzal ... unspeakable crimes are commited on a daily basis
And some of it is so evil ... I think capital punishment should be a reality in this world.
posted by
Chilitree
on March 14, 2007 at 9:58 AM
| link to this | reply
Afzal my friend,
This crime and punishment issue is deep and broad and yet comes to a fine pinpoint into the heart of mankind.
In the US we have capital punishment in some States. We are to have a punishment to fit the crime. Corporal punishment is unpopular and when the death penalty is used the most humane means are required.
Do I think popularity affects the verdict of a person found guilty, well I can only surmise since I am not an attorney nor do I have cases to review of people to interview. HOWEVER, having said that, I believe officials are influenced by public opinion. Mercy however should be extended in some cases. In the case of ignorance, weak mindedness, intimidation all play a part. Evil is evil I agree.
Your post creates many ideas and thoughts. As a professional in the field you are challenged and I welcome your study into the situation.
Blessings and have a good day.
Lou
posted by
Cameraeye
on March 14, 2007 at 9:48 AM
| link to this | reply
Capital punishment is barbaric
It has never been proven as a deterent. The purpose of a sentence should be for restitution and rehabilitation. The incarceration is for the protection of society. We gain nothing by murdering criminals, other than to give them a faster path back to the wheel of life.
posted by
Whysper
on March 14, 2007 at 9:46 AM
| link to this | reply