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April 11, 2003
I am not right-wing... am I?
I was a little shocked when I first read this. It is just so different from how similar situations are handled in the US.
I don't really know what exactly had gone on in the past with these guys (the hijackers). I just feel that in cases like this, or take the US soldier that killed two other soldiers a few weeks ago, that swift punishment is justified. When your country is at war (well, I guess Cuba isn't really at war right now), but when the world is at war you can't take things lightly.
Compared to my close friends (shi and joey) I am usually a little bit closer to the center (or even left of center sometimes) on political issues. However, in cases like these I think what happened deserved to happen. None of this "sit in a jail cell waiting for a trial in three years, only to be sentanced to 17 years in prison. After 5 years get released because no one remembers, or cares, about what you did." Crap like that can't be tolerated. Enough ranting.... I need sleep. :)
Stu
Posted by Stuart at April 11, 2003 02:39 AM
Comments
This crap has been going on in Cuba ever since Castro took over. He is probably just as bad as Saddam Hussain. Hopefully, CNN will finally start telling the truth about his brutality. I think CNN is trying to repent because recent events in Iraq have exposed them as left wing facilitators. See my posting on CNN.
Posted by: Keith at April 12, 2003 12:22 PM
Well, I personally stand behind our fair (as fair as possible anyway) judicial system. The article mentioned that the execution took place immediately after the trial. What kind of trial were they given? I think part of the reason we have a death row is so that people who are innocent don't go to their death before every aspect of their case has been inspected and it is absolutely certain they are the one who perpetrated the crime. Every once in a while a story hits the news of someone on death row being pardoned because of new evidence.
It's difficult to come to a good conclusion when considering tough issues like capital punishment. I suppose in this particular situation they knew they had the right guys, and (depending on who you talk to) they did deserve a death sentence. But there are a lot of other cases where you can't draw the lines so sharply.
Based on my faith, I'm not sure I can bring myself to agree with capital punishment, regardless of whether it happens immediately or several years down the road. Christ has told us to turn the other cheek, and that vengeance belongs to Him. However, I will agree that capital punishment is cheaper (both in terms of money and risk) than keeping the guy alive in a warm prison cell with food, water, toilet, exercise facilities, opportunities for parole upon good behavior, etc. and that during a time of war certain boundaries must be drawn.
Posted by: Joey at April 16, 2003 03:57 AM