Wild, Wild West

Kill him, execute him, and cut off his head: all outcries for justice for an evil and brutal dictator, Saddam Hussein. I watch the news coverage of what was often described as the "biggest" news story of the weekend, Saddam’s execution.

At first, I wasn’t particularly interested in following the story. Mostly, I was not interested because I was ashamed that anyone; person or institution would be so interested in reporting and glorifying an execution no matter whom the victim. It reminded me that we have not progressed beyond brute force as a way of settling our differences.


Secondly, I was embarrassed that the United States, Saddam’s creator and benefactor while causing the destruction of Iraq, wants us to believe that its hands are innocent in the sentencing and execution phases of the trail process. How would that be even likely? Especially, since the United States is the architect of the war.

Thirdly, I was horrified that such an action was carried out in the midst of a sacred and holy time for Muslims around the world. I equate this action with the West’s holy observance of Christmas and its sentencing and killing Donald Rumford for war crimes on December 25, Christmas Day. I am pretty sure this would not sit so well with the entire civilized world.



Lastly, I am sadden by the primitive practice of death by execution. It is never right to kill another. Who are we to judge the actions and deeds of anyone? In doing so, we give permission for others to equally judge us. There will come a day when the United States will be judged and our leadership may be found guilty of crimes against humanity.