STRANGE THINGS Most of us, I'm sure, prefer to think of this holiday time of the year as a time when bright, cheerful event and happenings which make up our lives happen as a continuing process and we find ways to accommodate such intrusions and try to blend the two extremes.
The announcement which told us that the former dictator of Iraq will be executed by hanging. The verdict was not unexpected by many - including the accused, I dare say, The judicial system of Iraq is quite different from ours and they added a demand that the sentence be concluded within one month. When the provision was appended some thought it to be a bit improper - even wrong - especially at this holy time of the year.
The court, I feel, acted wisely in making this requirement firm because precedent urged delay and contrary factions gathered and grew stronger in between sentencing and execution. It would come to be a serious last step of sympathy for the condemned person favoring a new trial or less punishment. That individual's life may
be saved; but an injustice done those whom he had killed or robbed i increased.. His actions would, in a sense be approved in total disregard of existing laws. The man had been judged and was found wanting.
At the same time, we have a haunting feeling that tells us what is happening is not in keeping with the religious feeling expressed by the religious elements of brotherly love, forgiving and admission of our own shortcomings. The "within thirty days" words will best mark this event in the future. It how a change in attitude for all of us who would stand firmly against the ever-increasing dire forces of terror which sound us.
Another serious problem facing all of us is the warfare in Africa where open war is finally being admitted as Ethiopia seeks to forestall the very same terrorist forces from "taking over" the legitimate government in a Lebanon-like action.
Perhaps we may need more such "thirty-day clauses " to bring our intentions to reality.
Take that Yule tree down within three days; put the Christmas decorations away for another year; finish returning all of those wrong sizes, wrong color, wrong choice items to the mall and get started with some thirty-day clauses of your own.
There are a host of things we are going to have to do - promptly
and together.
Andrew McCaskey Sr amccsr@adelphia.net 12-26-06 [c422wds]
