Putting the “Civil” in Our Civilization
Because of our focus on clean energy and the environment here at 2GreenEnergy, we tend to tread lightly on unrelated matters in the sphere of social justice. But here’s something I thought I’d call to the attention of readers, especially those outside the US: the abolition of the death penalty.
The United States is one of few countries in the world that still executes people, and the T-shirt pictured above addresses the major reasons that this barbaric practice needs to be relegated to history, as it has no place in a civilized society.
This November, the voters of California will have the opportunity to make this happen–at least in our state. Here’s a bit more info on this movement that has been steadily gaining momentum over the past few years.
The good news: what takes place here normally spreads to the rest of the country–and often to the rest of the world. It’s one of the reasons I’m so proud to live here. Not all our ideas are good, but those that are tend to have a deeply positive impact on people around the globe.
Let us hope that the death penalty is finally abolished.
The existence of the death penalty is not the only problem with our criminal justice system. We have a much higher percentage of our population in prisons than other prosperous countries do. Obviously there is something seriously wrong.
Sometimes the behavior of the police is truly bizarre. Do a google search on “deming police colonoscopy”. The police, after stopping a driver for a minor infraction, supposedly suspected that he was concealing drugs in his colon. So, they conducted several anal probes, forced him to have enemas, x-rays, and a colonoscopy for which the hospital billed him. No drugs were found. The victim was awarded $1.6 million in a lawsuit. However, the police personnel involved are still on the police force. I have not been able to determine whether the doctor lost his license.
Hi Frank,
The police may not have just been sadistic, or the Doctor acting inappropriately. Both the doctor and the police have a duty of care.
If the suspect had swallowed drugs, and burst inside the suspect, the police could have been sued, or even faced criminal penalties for negligence. The doctor is in the same position.
Like you, I am opposed to the death penalty for both ethical, and practical reasons.
I’m a firm believer in the ability to rehabilitate and restore lives of perpetrators and victims. I admire the Swiss motto to law enforcement ” Switzerland has no criminals, it may have citizens who commit crime, but these individuals still remain citizens”.
Winston Churchill said :
“The mood and temper of the public in regard to the treatment of crime and criminals is one of the most unfailing tests of the civilisation of any country.
A calm and dispassionate recognition of the rights of the accused against the state and even of convicted criminals against the state, a constant heart-searching by all charged with the duty of punishment, a desire and eagerness to rehabilitate in the world of industry of all those who have paid their dues in the hard coinage of punishment, tireless efforts towards the discovery of curative and regenerating processes and an unfaltering faith that there is a treasure, if only you can find it in the heart of every person.
These are the symbols which in the treatment of crime and criminals mark and measure the stored up strength of a nation, and are the sign and proof of the living virtue in it.”
Wise words indeed.