The Doctrine of Revenge - Desmond Tutu

[Richard D]

For most of the 20th century the majority of the world’s nations used the death penalty. But, as the millennium approached, many societies questioned whether killing their citizens through the judicial system served a positive purpose. I am delighted that the death penalty is being removed from the globe. To a Christian whose belief system is rooted in forgiveness, the death penalty is unacceptable.

Either in law or in practice, 130 countries have now abolished the death penalty. And since 1990, 50 countries have abolished the death penalty for all crimes. Last year only 25 countries carried out executions.

So strong is the global sentiment against the death penalty - with some notable exceptions, such as the United States, China and Singapore - that a resolution calling for a moratorium on executions and the abolition of capital punishment is scheduled to go before the United Nations general assembly tomorrow. The world community will decide its view on the morality of capital punishment.

I have experienced the horror of being close to an execution. Not only during the apartheid era of South Africa, when the country had one of the highest execution rates in the world, but in other countries as well.

http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/11/13/5187/

[bemildred]

1. It is all about power.

Power is the expectation of being obeyed. The more unquestioning the obedience, the greater the power. Therefore, the disobedient must be punished. And the punishment will continue until obedience is restored or the powerful are removed. It has zippo to do with morality. QED.

[Demeter]

2. I'll Make an Exception for Abuse of Power, Though

Nominate Bush and Cheney for the first experiment!

[bemildred]

3. Imagine Cheney being waterboarded.

That weasel has besmirched us all. How long would he last? It puts a smile on my face just thinking about it.

[Demeter]

4. Is There Enough Water For That?

Of course, it wouldn't have to be potable water....